Mill Creek Mps No 4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mill Creek Mps No 4, also known as Tompkinsville Lake, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Gamaliel, Kentucky.
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Summary
Completed in 1972, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes and is situated on the Barren River. With a height of 63 feet and a length of 1330 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 4504 acre-feet and a surface area of 109.1 acres.
Despite its importance for recreation, Mill Creek Mps No 4 has a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as assessed in September 2017. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 150 feet, posing additional challenges in managing water discharge during high flow events.
Given its moderate risk level and the need for maintenance and improvements, Mill Creek Mps No 4 presents an opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to engage in discussions around dam safety, risk management measures, and the preservation of recreational assets within the local community. As a key structure on the Barren River, the dam's condition and regulatory oversight are critical factors to consider in ensuring its long-term functionality and resilience to changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
1330 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
BARREN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
109.1 |
Drainage Area |
7.26 |
Nid Storage |
4504 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
63 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Mill Creek Mps No 4