Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam dam
Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam
Located in Powell, Kentucky, Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, having been completed in 1930. The dam, which spans 100 feet in length and reaches a height of 12 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene backdrop for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Middle Fork Red River. The dam's uncontrolled spillway adds to the natural charm of the area, while its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a safe and picturesque destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Despite not being federally owned or funded, the dam's association with the state of Kentucky underscores its importance as a vital resource for both locals and tourists. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam offers a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a slice of nature's beauty amidst the rolling hills of Powell County.
For those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate, Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study of a gravity dam that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. With its historical significance, recreational amenities, and commitment to safety and regulation, this dam stands as a shining example of responsible water management in the heart of Kentucky's scenic landscape.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Red River Near Hazel Green | 10 cfs | → |
| Red River At Clay City | 43 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Kentucky River At Tallega | 50 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg | 357 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine | · | → |
| Slate Creek At Highway 713 Nr Mt. Sterling | 34 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Natural Bridge Road Powell County
- Boat Ramp Road Wolfe County
- Copperas Creek Canoe Launch
- Big Branch Canoe Launch
- Jackson Road Beattyville
- Water Street Beattyville
Campgrounds
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Tunnel Ridge Road
- Koomer Ridge Campground
- Koomer Ridge Rec Area
- Red River Gorge Geological Area
- Callies
Fishing spots
- Muskie Bend Fishing Site
- Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
- Windy Bay Fishing Site
- Ramey Creek Fishing Site
- Boat Launch
Paddle runs
Track Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam
Where does the data for Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Natural Bridge State Park Lake Dam.