Bathymetry of Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, May 2023

These data are bathymetry (lake bottom elevation) in XYZ format (Easting, Northing, Elevation), generated from the May 30–June 1, 2023, bathymetric survey of Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, from the dam to CR-1475 (19.5 miles total reach length). Hydrographic data were collected using a RESON 210 kHz NaviSound single-beam echosounder (SBES) with a Hemisphere A222 integrated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) smart antenna. The SBES and GNSS antenna were mounted on a marine survey vessel, and data were collected as the survey vessel traversed the lake along planned survey lines. A total of 380 survey lines were oriented approximately perpendicular to the primary flow direction at generally 250-foot or 500-foot spacing. Data collection software (HYPACK) integrated and stored the depth and position data from the SBES and GNSS antenna in real time. Water-surface elevations were measured at the boat ramp at the dam twice a day (before and after surveying) with a Trimble R8 survey-grade integrated GNSS system with real-time kinematic (RTK) observations to convert measured bathymetric depths to elevations referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). RTK observations were made using the Kentucky Continually Operating Reference System (KYCORS) network operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Data processing required computer software to extract the bathymetric data from the raw data files and to compile and map the information. The final comma-delimited file contains columns of Easting and Northing in feet North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83) Kentucky State Plane Single Zone (FIPS code 1600), and Elevation in feet NAVD 88. This dataset was collected in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Louisville District.