Mitchell Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Nestled in Marengo County, Alabama, Mitchell Dam stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and the importance of water resource management.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam primarily serves as a recreational area for locals and visitors alike, offering a serene retreat for fishing, boating, and other leisure activities. With a height of 31 feet and a hydraulic height of 28 feet, Mitchell Dam boasts a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet, ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding area.

Situated on the TR-Sandy Branch river, Mitchell Dam plays a vital role in water supply and recreation in the region. Despite its low hazard potential and not being state-regulated, the dam maintains a satisfactory condition, with a focus on safety and risk management measures. With Congressional District 07's representative, Terri A. Sewell, overseeing the area, Mitchell Dam continues to be a key landmark in Alabama's water resource infrastructure, offering both practical utility and scenic beauty to all who visit.

As climate change continues to impact water resources around the world, Mitchell Dam stands as a resilient structure that provides both a crucial water supply and a recreational outlet for the community. With a consistent storage capacity of 108 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 403 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures a reliable source of water for the region. As enthusiasts of water resource management and climate adaptation, Mitchell Dam serves as a prime example of how infrastructure can successfully balance human needs with environmental sustainability.

Hydraulic Height

28

Year Completed

1970

Structural Height

31

Nid Storage

112

River Or Stream

TR-SANDY BRANCH

Dam Length

350

Hazard Potential

Low

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Height

31
       
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.