Panbowl Lake dam
Panbowl Lake
Panbowl Lake, also known as Jackson Breathitt Lake, is a picturesque water resource nestled in Breathitt County, Kentucky. Managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, this state-owned lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational activities. With a dam height of 46 feet and a storage capacity of 6200 acre-feet, Panbowl Lake offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and nature exploration.
Constructed in 1961 on the North Fork Kentucky River, Panbowl Lake covers an area of 98.1 acres and serves as a vital source of water for the surrounding community. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition, with regular inspections and maintenance conducted by the Kentucky Division of Water. The lake's uncontrolled spillway and rockfill dam design contribute to its charm and functionality, making it a valuable asset for both water management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As a key recreational attraction in the area, Panbowl Lake plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With its serene surroundings and diverse wildlife, the lake offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to unwind on the water or explore the natural beauty of Kentucky, Panbowl Lake is a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking a unique outdoor experience.
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 Panbowl Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Kentucky River At Jackson | 198 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Kentucky River At Tallega | 50 cfs | → |
| South Fork Kentucky River At Booneville | 82 cfs | → |
| Red River Near Hazel Green | 10 cfs | → |
| Licking River Below Mason Fork Nr Salyersville | 17 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg | 387 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Panbowl Lake.
Boat launches
- Jackson Road Beattyville
- Big Branch Canoe Launch
- Marina Lane 231, Perry County
- Water Street Beattyville
- Park Avenue Hazard
- Boat Ramp Road Wolfe County
Campgrounds
- Buckhorn Dam Rec Area - Buckhorn Lake
- Gays Creek Campground
- Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake
- Koomer Ridge Rec Area
- Koomer Ridge Campground
- Red River Gorge Geological Area
Fishing spots
- Windy Bay Fishing Site
- Ramey Creek Fishing Site
- Muskie Bend Fishing Site
- Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
Paddle runs
Track Panbowl Lake 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 Panbowl Lake
Where does the data for Panbowl Lake 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 Significant 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 Panbowl Lake.