Fern Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fern Lake Dam, located in Middlesboro, Kentucky, is a privately owned structure primarily used for water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1890, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 53 feet and has a length of 1080 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 3300 acre-feet. The dam also serves as a crucial element in managing the flow of Yellow Creek, with a spillway width of 150 feet for uncontrolled release of excess water.

Despite its age, Fern Lake Dam has been regularly inspected and maintained, with the last assessment in May 2018 indicating a satisfactory condition. The dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds, but the risk assessment deems it at a moderate level. The Kentucky Division of Water oversees the regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of the dam, ensuring its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community and environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fern Lake Dam is a noteworthy structure that highlights the importance of proper dam management in ensuring water supply and safety in the region.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

1080

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

YELLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Drainage Area

7.2

Nid Storage

3300

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

53
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.