Mitchell Hill Lake Dam

LICK CREEK· Jefferson, Kentucky· Built 1970· Earth· 32 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 55.9% in KY)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage43 acre-ft
Normal Storage27 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDKY00844

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 16, 2024
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: KY Division of Water

Ownership

LOUISVILLE METRO PARKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mitchell Hill Lake Dam?

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mitchell Hill Lake Dam?

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam is owned by LOUISVILLE METRO PARKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mitchell Hill Lake Dam built?

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Mitchell Hill Lake Dam?

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mitchell Hill Lake Dam?

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam has a dam height of 32 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Mitchell Hill Lake Dam last inspected?

Mitchell Hill Lake Dam was last inspected on May 16, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.