Mitchell Mill Dam

Red Cedar· Mitchell, Iowa· Built 1925· Buttress· 19 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mitchell Mill Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 6.5% in IA)
Dam Length590 ft
Dam TypeButtress
Normal Storage1.5K acre-ft
Surface Area120 acres
Drainage Area826 sq mi
Max Discharge46,500 cfs
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
NID IDIA01312

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 8, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Mitchell County Conservation Board

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mitchell Mill Dam?

Mitchell Mill Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mitchell Mill Dam?

Mitchell Mill Dam is owned by Mitchell County Conservation Board (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mitchell Mill Dam built?

Mitchell Mill Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Mill Dam?

Mitchell Mill Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mitchell Mill Dam?

Mitchell Mill Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Mill Dam last inspected?

Mitchell Mill Dam was last inspected on September 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.