KentuckyReservoir, 9,460 acres
Barren River Lake water level
Current level
548.97ft NGVD29
Reading from Oct 26, 2026
- Past 24 hours
- -0.28ft
- Past 7 days
- -1.81ft
- Past 30 days
- -2.71ft
- Trend
- Falling
Barren River Lake was at 548.97 ft on October 26, falling 1.81 ft over the past week.
Last 30 days
Recent daily readings
| Date | Level (ft NGVD29) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 2026 | 549.25 | -0.48 |
| Oct 24, 2026 | 549.73 | -0.47 |
| Oct 23, 2026 | 550.20 | -0.26 |
| Oct 22, 2026 | 550.46 | -0.19 |
| Oct 21, 2026 | 550.65 | -0.08 |
| Oct 20, 2026 | 550.73 | -0.05 |
| Oct 19, 2026 | 550.78 | -0.05 |
| Oct 18, 2026 | 550.83 | -0.05 |
| Oct 17, 2026 | 550.88 | -0.05 |
| Oct 16, 2026 | 550.93 | -0.01 |
| Oct 15, 2026 | 550.94 | +0.05 |
| Oct 14, 2026 | 550.89 | -0.04 |
| Oct 13, 2026 | 550.93 | -0.04 |
| Oct 12, 2026 | 550.97 | -0.02 |
Reading these numbers
Readings are elevations in feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29), the reference most older dam and lake charts use. If you compare with a newer chart in NAVD88, expect a difference of a few feet. Our glossary explains NGVD29 vs NAVD88.
Reservoir levels are managed. Operators lower them ahead of flood season, hold them for summer recreation, and draw them down for dam work. When the lake falls well below its usual level, shallow points and stumps start showing up in places that are normally safe.
High water brings its own problems: floating debris after storms, flooded docks and courtesy piers, and no-wake rules near flooded campgrounds. A quick look at the trend before you hitch up saves a wasted trip.
The gauge is listed by USGS as Barren River Lake near Finney, KY. Wind can pile water up at one end of a big lake for a few hours, so short spikes on a windy day are normal.
Barren River Lake water level questions
What is the water level at Barren River Lake today?
Barren River Lake was at 548.97 ft on October 26, falling 1.81 ft over the past week.
Is Barren River Lake rising or falling?
Over the last seven days the level has fallen (-1.81 ft), and it is -2.71 ft compared with 30 days ago.
Where does the Barren River Lake water level data come from?
From the U.S. Geological Survey, gauge 03312900 (Barren River Lake near Finney, KY). USGS publishes provisional readings every 15 to 60 minutes; they can be revised later after quality checks.
How often is this page updated?
The page itself is rebuilt every day with the latest daily values, and the current reading refreshes straight from the USGS each time you open it.
Nearby lakes
If Barren River is blown out, these are the closest alternatives. Tap through for their water levels.