William Riley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barrett Hill Lake Dam Maple Leaf Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
William Riley Lake Dam, also known as Riley Lake, is a private dam located in Ohio, Kentucky.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1965, this Earth dam stands at 25 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, with a surface area of 7.04 acres and a drainage area of 0.16 square miles. It is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential, William Riley Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level of 3. The dam has not been rated for its condition but is reported to have not been significantly modified since its completion. The last inspection took place in April 2009, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and is situated within the Nashville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, providing additional oversight and support for its operations and maintenance. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, William Riley Lake Dam presents a unique recreational opportunity within the Kentucky landscape, while also highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and assessment to ensure the safety and integrity of our dam infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.04 |
Drainage Area |
0.16 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Panther Creek Near Whitesville
|
25cfs |
Green River At Lock 2 At Calhoun
|
4020cfs |
Green River At Paradise
|
3160cfs |
Caney Creek Near Horse Branch
|
49cfs |
Pond River Near Apex
|
57cfs |
Ohio River At Cannelton Dam At Cannelton
|
49000cfs |
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.
William Riley Lake Dam