Mitchell Pond #1 (Nanticoke Road) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mitchell Pond #1 (Nanticoke Road) in Wicomico, Maryland, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1937 for flood risk reduction along the Owens Branch and Unknown Tributaries.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 9 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a length of 450 feet. It has a maximum storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a normal storage of 16 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10.1 acres with a drainage area of 3.2 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Mitchell Pond #1 is inspected every three years, with the last inspection conducted in December 2019. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet and outlet gates of needle type. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not had any USACE involvement and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Overall, Mitchell Pond #1 serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing flood risks in the area, highlighting the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Years Modified

1998 - Other

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Owens Branch and Unknown Trib

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.1

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

3.2

Nid Storage

78

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

9
       
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.