Gess Property Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gess Property Lake Dam, also known as Pond 5, is a local government-owned structure located in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Summary
Designed by EA Partners, PLC, this earth-type dam stands at 17 feet high and spans 500 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.4 acres. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and low hazard potential.
Despite its low hazard potential, Gess Property Lake Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, and there is no record of inundation maps or updated emergency contacts for the site. The structure has not been modified in recent years, and its inspection frequency is set at every 5 years. While the dam currently meets guidelines, there is room for improvement in terms of emergency preparedness and overall risk assessment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gess Property Lake Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental risk. As a vital tool in flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a case study in the importance of proper maintenance, inspection, and emergency planning for water infrastructure projects. With its relatively low hazard potential but moderate risk level, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and proactive risk management to ensure the safety and resilience of this essential structure in Fayette County, Kentucky.
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
17 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Gess Property Lake Dam
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