Yatesville Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Yatesville Dam, also known as Yatesville Lake, is a rockfill dam located on Blaine Creek in Lawrence, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1988 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with additional purposes including fish and wildlife pond creation, recreation, and other uses. The dam stands at a structural height of 156 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 83,300 acre-feet.
With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Yatesville Dam is closely monitored and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The agency regularly conducts inspections, updates emergency action plans, and coordinates with local emergency managers to ensure the dam's safety and readiness in the event of an emergency. Despite its risk management measures, the dam's limited capacity to store water means that releases may occur to manage water levels or relieve pressure during severe weather events.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's important to recognize the vital role that dams like Yatesville play in mitigating flood risks and providing valuable water resources for various purposes. Continued monitoring, maintenance, and collaborative efforts with local communities are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these critical infrastructure assets in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
855 |
River Or Stream |
BLAINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
2242 |
Hydraulic Height |
72 |
Drainage Area |
208 |
Nid Storage |
83300 |
Structural Height |
156 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
156 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Sandy River At Grayson
|
248cfs |
Levisa Fork At Paintsville
|
1710cfs |
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
19cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
459cfs |
Ohio River At Ironton
|
25600cfs |
Tygarts Creek Near Greenup
|
85cfs |
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.
Yatesville Dam