Otter Lake Dam No 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Otter Lake Dam 3 Otter Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Otter Lake Dam No 2, located in Hopkins County, Kentucky, is a private earth dam completed in 1979 primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
The dam has a height of 35 feet and a length of 490 feet, creating a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.4 acres. It is situated on Otter Creek, regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2017.
Despite its recreational focus, Otter Lake Dam No 2 poses moderate risk with a Hazard Potential Rating of 3. The dam's condition assessment indicates poor structural integrity, and it is under the jurisdiction of the state for regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and proximity to Otter Creek highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding area in the event of a potential breach. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Otter Lake Dam No 2 a compelling case study in balancing recreational benefits with the need for proper infrastructure management in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
OTTER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
127 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
2760cfs |
Tradewater River At Olney
|
30cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
41cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
2210cfs |
South Fork Panther Creek Near Whitesville
|
25cfs |
Ohio River At Old Shawneetown
|
259000cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Otter Lake Dam No 2