Mitchell Dam, located in Birdtown, North Carolina, is a private earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Shoal Creek-Tr river.
Wind
Humidity
With a structural height of 22 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 24 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 18 acre-feet. The dam, completed sometime in the past, covers a surface area of 2 acres and stands at a length of 190 feet.
Despite its recreational focus, Mitchell Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in March 2021. The dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, indicating a commitment to ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are unspecified, suggesting a potential area for improvement in its overall risk mitigation strategy.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mitchell Dam presents an intriguing case study in private dam management and regulation in North Carolina. With its location in the scenic Jackson County and its historical significance in providing recreational opportunities, the dam serves as both a valuable resource and a potential risk factor that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
Dam Length |
190 |
River Or Stream |
Shoal Creek-Tr |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
24 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
22 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Fort Wilderness RV Park and Campground
|
||
51
|
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#51 George's Branch
|
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Tow String Horse Camp
|
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#46 Estes Branch
|
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Deep Creek Group Camp
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