Mitchell Hill Lake Dam Dam
Mitchell Hill Lake Dam
Mitchell Hill Lake Dam, also known as Hill Lake, is a primary recreational water resource located in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Constructed in 1970, this Earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 300 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 33.5 acre-feet. Situated on Lick Creek, this dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and is designated for recreational purposes.
Despite its significant contribution to local recreation, Mitchell Hill Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been rated as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in 2018. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there are concerns regarding the dam's structural integrity and its ability to withstand potential emergencies. It is crucial for local authorities to implement risk management measures and conduct regular inspections to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the sustainability of this water resource.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition of Mitchell Hill Lake Dam and advocate for necessary upgrades and maintenance to mitigate risks and preserve this valuable recreational asset. By staying informed and actively participating in the preservation efforts, we can help safeguard the dam's functionality and enhance its resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mitchell Hill Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pond Creek Near Louisville | 144 cfs | → |
| Brier Creek At Pendelton Road Near Louisville | 9 cfs | → |
| Northern Ditch At Okolona | 22 cfs | → |
| Pond Creek At Pendleton Road Near Louisville | 163 cfs | → |
| Pennslyvania Run At Mt Washington Rd Nr Louisville | 3 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Orell Road Near Louisville | 55 cfs | → |
About Mitchell Hill Lake Dam
Where does the data for Mitchell Hill Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.