Wolf Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Wolf Creek Dam, also known as Lake Cumberland, is a gravity dam located in Kentucky's Russell County.


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Summary

Completed in 1951, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. With a structural height of 258 feet and a storage capacity of over 6 million acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its importance, Wolf Creek Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential due to concerns about overtopping and potential structural issues with its Tainter gates. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has implemented risk management measures to address these issues, including a major investment in dam safety, regular inspections, and emergency preparedness plans. Additionally, USACE is currently working on replacing all ten spillway gates to ensure the dam's continued safe operation.

With a population at risk of over 130,000 in the event of a dam failure, the ongoing efforts by USACE to monitor, maintain, and improve Wolf Creek Dam are critical for ensuring the safety and stability of this vital water resource infrastructure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the intricate balance of managing risks and maintaining functionality in the face of potential challenges.

Year Completed

1951

Dam Length

5736

River Or Stream

CUMBERLAND

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

50250

Hydraulic Height

233

Drainage Area

5789

Nid Storage

6089000

Structural Height

258

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

258
       
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.