Mitchell Lake
Key Takeaway
Mitchell Lake is classified as high hazard in South Dakota. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 26 ft (taller than 65.2% in SD) |
| Dam Length | 280 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 181 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 53 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 104 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | SD01117 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USDA FS
Federal Government
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High Hazard 56 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mitchell Lake built?
Mitchell Lake was completed in 1936, making it 90 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mitchell Lake?
Mitchell Lake has a dam height of 26 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Mitchell Lake last inspected?
Mitchell Lake was last inspected on May 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.