Kentucky Dam, also known as Kentucky Lake, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on the Tennessee River in Livingston, Kentucky.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1944, this concrete dam stands at a towering height of 206 feet and stretches over 8,422 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction. It boasts a maximum storage capacity of 7,535,400 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 160,300 acres, making it a vital water resource infrastructure in the region.
With a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Kentucky Dam is equipped with a controlled spillway that is 960 feet wide and operates with vertical lift outlet gates. The dam's purpose extends beyond flood risk reduction to include hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and recreational activities. The Tennessee Valley Authority oversees all aspects of the dam's operations, constructions, inspections, and regulatory functions, ensuring its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.
In addition to its structural significance, Kentucky Dam also features a single lock for navigating the Tennessee River, providing essential waterway access for commercial and recreational boating. The dam's location in Calvert City, Kentucky, underscores its importance in managing water resources, mitigating flood risks, and supporting various economic and environmental activities in the region.
Year Completed |
1944 |
Dam Length |
8422 |
Dam Height |
206 |
River Or Stream |
TENNESSEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
160300 |
Length Of Locks |
600 |
Hydraulic Height |
130 |
Drainage Area |
40200 |
Nid Storage |
7535400 |
Structural Height |
206 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
206 |
Clarks River At Almo
|
41cfs |
Massac Creek Near Paducah
|
2cfs |
Ohio River At Metropolis
|
444000cfs |
Clarks River At Murray
|
15cfs |
Little Bayou Creek Near Grahamville
|
1cfs |
Tradewater River At Olney
|
36cfs |