Otter Lake Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Otter Lake Dam No 2 Otter Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Otter Lake Dam 3 in Hopkins, Kentucky is a privately owned recreation dam with a height of 25 feet and a length of 280 feet, providing a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam, constructed of earth, serves primarily for recreational purposes and is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water. With a surface area of 4.4 acres, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment, making it a critical structure for maintenance and risk management.
Despite being privately owned, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety. Its uncontrolled spillway type and moderate risk assessment indicate the need for proper emergency preparedness and risk management measures. With a hazard potential rating of high, the dam's condition assessment as poor further emphasizes the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential failures and protect downstream areas from inundation.
Otter Lake Dam 3's location in Hopkins, Kentucky underscores the importance of monitoring and managing water resources in the region. As a crucial recreational structure, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are essential for ensuring the safety of both the environment and local communities. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should keep a close eye on developments related to this dam to ensure its continued safe operation and preservation of the surrounding area.
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
25 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.4 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
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 3