Vance Mills Lake Dam B is an earth dam located in Laurel County, Kentucky, built in 1980. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 50 ft50 ft tall and 800 ft long, taller than 92% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a ten-story building, about 100 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Vance Mills Lake Dam B
The primary purpose of Vance Mills Lake Dam B is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Ms. Marie Mills (private). It impounds the Robinson Creek near Mchargue.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 540 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 10/31/2025.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Laurel |
| Nearest City | Mchargue |
| River/Stream | Robinson Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.02763, -83.98092 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 540 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 540 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 390 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Ms. Marie Mills |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/31/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | KY00911 |
| Federal ID | KY00911 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |