Laurel Creek Lake Dam
Laurel Creek Lake Dam is an earth dam located in McCreary County, Kentucky, built in 1987. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Laurel Creek Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Laurel Creek Lake 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 Mccreary County Water District (local government). It impounds the Marsh Creek near Cumberland Falls State Park.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 360 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 54 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1987, the structure is 39 years old.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 10/31/2025.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | McCreary |
| Nearest City | Cumberland Falls State Park |
| River/Stream | Marsh Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.69294, -84.44343 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 360 ft |
| Year Completed | 1987 (39 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 710 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 54 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/31/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00328 |
| Federal ID | KY00328 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |