Buckhorn Lake (Kentucky) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buckhorn Lake |
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 Buckhorn Lake
Location in Kentucky
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| Location | Perry / Leslie counties, Kentucky, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°20′22″N 83°28′15″W / 37.33944°N 83.47083°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Kentucky River |
| Primary outflows | Kentucky River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,230 acres (5 km2) |
| Max. depth | 50 ft (15 m) |
Buckhorn Lake is a large lake in Kentucky, United States. It's located near the towns of Buckhorn, Kentucky and Hazard, Kentucky. This lake is actually a reservoir, which means it's a man-made lake. The United States Army Corps of Engineers created Buckhorn Lake in 1967. They did this by building a dam across the Kentucky River. The lake covers about 1,230 acres (5.0 square kilometers).
Buckhorn Lake was formed by blocking the Middle Fork of the Kentucky River. The dam, called Buckhorn Dam, is made of earth. It stands 160 feet (49 meters) tall and is 1,020 feet (311 meters) long at the top. The lake can hold a lot of water, helping to control floods.
People aren't sure how Buckhorn Lake got its name. Some say it's because a buck's horn was found near a salt lick (a place where animals go to lick salt). Others believe it was named after a buck killed by Jerry Smith, who was the first person to settle in the area.
Buckhorn Lake is a great place for fishing! It has many large muskie, which are big, long fish. This makes it a popular spot for people who love to fish.
Understanding the Climate at Buckhorn Lake
The weather around Buckhorn Lake has hot and humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is known as a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, you might see this climate type called "Cfa."
