Mitchner Dam dam
Mitchner Dam
Mitchner Dam, located in Franklin, North Carolina, along Buffalo Creek-Tr, is a private-owned structure primarily serving the purpose of recreation. This earth-type dam stands at a structural height of 22 feet and spans a length of 280 feet, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. Despite being non-state regulated, the dam is subject to periodic inspections with a low hazard potential rating and a condition assessment of "Not Rated" as of the last inspection in 2003.
The dam, nestled within the tranquil surroundings of North Carolina, offers enthusiasts of water resources and climate an opportunity to appreciate the balance between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. While its primary function is for recreational use, the dam also plays a subtle role in water management and conservation along the Buffalo Creek-Tr. Its historical significance and peaceful setting make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a deeper connection with the environment.
For those interested in the intricacies of dam structures and their impact on the surrounding landscape, Mitchner Dam provides a case study in private-owned dams and their role in water resource management. With its unassuming presence and low hazard potential, the dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human intervention and ecological preservation in the context of recreational infrastructure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mitchner Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tar R At Us 401 At Louisburg | 18 cfs | → |
| Tar River Near Tar River | 3 cfs | → |
| Neuse River Near Falls | 123 cfs | → |
| Knap Of Reeds Creek Near Butner | 7 cfs | → |
| Marsh C Nr New Hope | 1 cfs | → |
| Crabtree Creek At Us 1 At Raleigh | 17 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mitchner Dam.
Boat launches
- Falls Lake Trail Wake County
- Duck Cove Trail Wake County
- Barton's Creek Boat Ramp
- Creedmoor Road 13900, Town Of Wake Forest
- Neuse River Trail Raleigh
- Ledge Rock Boat Ramp, Creedmoor
Campgrounds
- Holly Point - Falls Lake
- Shoreline Campground
- Overlook Campground
- Shortleaf Pine Campground
- Two Oaks Campground
- Bootleg Point Campground
Track Mitchner Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mitchner Dam
Where does the data for Mitchner Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mitchner Dam.