Mitchell Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Mitchell, located in Davison, South Dakota, is home to a significant earth dam constructed in 1928 with a height of 55 feet and a length of 1320 feet.
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Summary
This dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage, with a normal storage capacity of 8960 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 335 feet, and it is equipped with vertical lift outlet gates. The dam is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its fair condition assessment.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Mitchell Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and size. The dam has a drainage area of 496 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 53,100 cubic feet per second, making it crucial for effective risk management measures to be in place. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, and it undergoes inspections every three years to monitor its overall safety and functionality. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Mitchell Dam remains a vital resource for water management in the region.
Managed by the local government, Mitchell Dam is an integral part of the St. Paul District's water resource infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in controlling water flow along the TR-MISSO River, contributing to the overall water management system in the area. With Congressman Dusty Johnson representing the district, the dam's maintenance and operation are under continuous scrutiny to ensure the safety and reliability of its functions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mitchell Dam represents a case study in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship in managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1928 |
Dam Length |
1320 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MISSONot RatedI |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
55 |
Drainage Area |
496 |
Nid Storage |
19585 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James R Near Mitchell Sd
|
659cfs |
Firesteel Cr Near Mount Vernon Sd
|
0cfs |
James R Near Forestburg Sd
|
560cfs |
James R Near Scotland Sd
|
706cfs |
James R At Huron Sd
|
548cfs |
West Fork Vermillion R Near Parker Sd
|
3cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mitchell