Dorthae Dam is a gravity dam located in Laurel County, Kentucky, built in 1926. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 33 ft33 ft tall and 260 ft long, taller than 76% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic concrete gravity section and the water level is illustrative.
About Dorthae Dam
The primary purpose of Dorthae Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Laurel County Water District #2 (private). It impounds the Laurel River near Corbin.
The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 260 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 36 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 508 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 97 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 10/31/2025.
At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 76% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Laurel |
| Nearest City | Corbin |
| River/Stream | Laurel River |
| Coordinates | 37.00177, -84.10052 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 508 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 508 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 36 acres |
| Drainage Area | 97 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Laurel County Water District #2 |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/31/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00070 |
| Federal ID | KY00070 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |