Vance Mills Lake Dam A Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Vance Mills Lake Dam A, located in Laurel County, Kentucky, was completed in 1971 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the surrounding community.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 48 feet in height and spans 325 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. Situated on the Little Robinson Creek, this dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Vance Mills Lake Dam A poses no immediate threat to public safety. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition overall. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, along with its designated emergency action plan, enhances its ability to manage potential risks effectively. Additionally, the dam's owner, a private entity, plays a crucial role in the maintenance and operation of this essential water resource infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to recognize the significance of dams like Vance Mills Lake Dam A in providing not only recreational opportunities but also water storage and flood control benefits to the local community. By staying informed about the regulatory oversight, inspection frequency, and emergency preparedness measures in place for such structures, we can help ensure the continued safety and resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
48 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE ROBINSON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
115 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lynn Camp Creek At Corbin
|
34cfs |
Goose Creek At Manchester
|
87cfs |
Rockcastle River At Billows
|
290cfs |
Cumberland River At Williamsburg
|
1210cfs |
Cumberland River At Cumberland Falls
|
1410cfs |
Clear Fork At Saxton
|
180cfs |
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.
Mosquito Creek Watershed Site 6-1