Lochdale Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wellington Unit 1-B Wellington Unit 4
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Lochdale Dam, also known as Sunny Slope Dam, is a private dam located in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Summary
The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Waveland Tributary. With a dam height of 18 feet and a storage capacity of 38.3 acre-feet, Lochdale Dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Lochdale Dam is currently in fair condition as of the last inspection in November 2017. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and overall risk management measures are yet to be fully evaluated. With a moderate risk rating of 3, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both flood protection and environmental conservation purposes.
As a key infrastructure in the Louisville District, Lochdale Dam's role in flood risk reduction underscores the importance of proper maintenance and risk management practices. The dam's location in Fayette County, Kentucky, highlights its significance in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the complexities involved in managing this earth dam and the efforts required to balance flood protection with environmental stewardship.
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
WAVELAND TRIBUTARY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.58 |
Nid Storage |
38.3 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lochdale Dam