Charles Mitchell Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Charles Mitchell Farm Dam, also known as Mitchell Farm Lake, is a privately owned irrigation structure located near New Zion in Scott County, Kentucky.


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Summary

Constructed in 1966 by the Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 740 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 71 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Kentucky Division of Water and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Situated on Goose Creek offstream, Charles Mitchell Farm Dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes and covers a surface area of 11.1 acres with a drainage area of 0.62 square miles. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Although the condition assessment is not rated, the dam undergoes inspections every five years to monitor its integrity and functionality. With its picturesque location and important role in water resource management, this dam represents a valuable asset in the region's agricultural landscape.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and owned by a private entity, Charles Mitchell Farm Dam plays a vital role in supporting local irrigation needs and contributing to water sustainability in the area. Despite its modest size and low hazard potential, the dam's strategic location, construction design, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues, understanding the significance of structures like Charles Mitchell Farm Dam is key to promoting resilience and sustainability in our natural environment.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

GOOSE CREEK OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.1

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

71

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.