John Mitchell No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

John Mitchell No.1 in Demopolis, Alabama, is a private fish and wildlife pond designed by the USDA NRCS in 1986.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for fish and wildlife purposes, stands at a height of 11 feet and has a length of 2300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet. The spillway, with a width of 55 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Located in Hale County, Alabama, the John Mitchell No.1 dam on the TR-GERMAN GK. river is managed by private owners and has not been regulated or inspected by state agencies. Despite being constructed over three decades ago, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, with no recent inspections or risk management measures in place. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.08 square miles and can discharge a maximum of 115 cubic feet per second.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, John Mitchell No.1 offers a glimpse into the design and maintenance of private dams for fish and wildlife conservation. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, this earth dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of water management, ecological preservation, and infrastructure development in rural Alabama. As the dam continues to provide habitat for local wildlife, its role in sustaining the surrounding ecosystem warrants further attention and study in the context of changing climate patterns and water resource management practices.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TR-GERMAN GK.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

94

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.