Paintsville Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Paintsville Dam, also known as Paintsville Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in Johnson County, Kentucky, along Paint Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with additional purposes including fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and other uses. The dam is a rockfill type with a hydraulic height of 134 feet and a structural height of 160 feet, providing a storage capacity of 73,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,139 acres.
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Paintsville Dam has a high hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. The emergency action plan is regularly updated, and risk management measures are in place to monitor and address flood risks associated with the dam. With a spillway width of 180 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 48,000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating potential flooding events in the region.
Despite the inherent risks associated with dam operations, USACE works diligently to communicate with local emergency managers and the public, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and response in case of a dam-related emergency. By prioritizing risk reduction activities and engaging with stakeholders, Paintsville Dam continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the area.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
1600 |
River Or Stream |
PAINT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
1139 |
Hydraulic Height |
134 |
Drainage Area |
93 |
Nid Storage |
73500 |
Structural Height |
160 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
160 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Levisa Fork At Paintsville
|
1790cfs |
Licking River Below Mason Fork Nr Salyersville
|
44cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
527cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
23cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1390cfs |
Red River Near Hazel Green
|
60cfs |
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.
Paintsville Dam