Town Hollow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Town Hollow Lake Dam, also known as Ashcraft Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Lee County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 34 feet and stretches 170 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 35.5 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and recreational activities, with a surface area of 2.8 acres and a drainage area of 0.23 square miles.

Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Town Hollow Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not-rated condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has undergone inspections every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2005. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date, indicating a need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure its safety and integrity.

Although lacking specific emergency action plans and inundation maps, Town Hollow Lake Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its Federal ownership and state regulation, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality, controlling floods, and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. As climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and protect our water resources, Town Hollow Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable dam management practices in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-TOWN HOLLOW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

35.5

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.