Curtis Begley Lake dam
Curtis Begley Lake
Curtis Begley Lake, also known as Peaceful Valley Farm Lake, is a privately owned water resource nestled in Owsley, Kentucky, offering a serene retreat for water and climate enthusiasts. Constructed in 1970 by the Soil Conservation Service, this Earth-type dam stands at 31 feet tall, with a length of 370 feet, creating a storage capacity of 186 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.5 acres. With a primary purpose of recreation, the lake provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Managed by the Kentucky Division of Water, Curtis Begley Lake is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and sustainability. Despite a poor condition assessment in 2016, with a high hazard potential, the lake remains a moderate risk (3) due to ongoing risk management measures. The uncontrolled spillway, 15 feet wide, adds to the lake's charm while serving its vital function during times of high water flow. With its location near the TR-ELK LICK river, the lake contributes to the local ecosystem and provides a valuable water resource for the surrounding community.
For those seeking a peaceful escape in nature, Curtis Begley Lake offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities and environmental significance. As visitors explore its tranquil waters and lush surroundings, they can appreciate the careful balance of conservation and enjoyment that the lake represents. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and ongoing commitment to safety and regulation, Curtis Begley Lake stands as a symbol of responsible stewardship in the realm of water resources and climate preservation.
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 Curtis Begley Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sturgeon Creek At Cressmont | 3 cfs | → |
| South Fork Kentucky River At Booneville | 78 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg | 357 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Kentucky River At Tallega | 50 cfs | → |
| Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine | · | → |
| North Fork Kentucky River At Jackson | 180 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Curtis Begley Lake.
Boat launches
- Ky 399 Heidelberg
- Water Street Beattyville
- Jackson Road Beattyville
- Main Street Irvine
- Natural Bridge Road Powell County
- Marina Lane 231, Perry County
Campgrounds
- Turkey Foot Rec Area
- Turkey Foot Campground Free
- Turkey Foot Campground
- Buckhorn Dam Rec Area - Buckhorn Lake
- S-Tree Campground
- S-Tree Campground Free
Fishing spots
- Muskie Bend Fishing Site
- Windy Bay Fishing Site
- Long Bend Fishing Site
- Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
- Ramey Creek Fishing Site
- Fishing Point
Track Curtis Begley 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 Curtis Begley Lake
Where does the data for Curtis Begley 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 High 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 Curtis Begley Lake.