Mitchell
Mitchell is a gravity dam located in Chilton County, Alabama, built in 1923. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Mitchell
The primary purpose of Mitchell is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Alabama Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Coosa River near Wetumpka.
The dam stands 106 feet tall and stretches 1,264 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5,850 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 172,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9,827 square miles. Completed in 1923, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/15/2023.
At 106 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Alabama dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Alabama |
| County | Chilton |
| Nearest City | Wetumpka |
| River/Stream | Coosa River |
| Coordinates | 32.80567, -86.44504 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 106 ft |
| Dam Height | 106 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,264 ft |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 172,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 172,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 172,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,850 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9,827 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 510,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Alabama Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 02/15/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AL01424 |
| Federal ID | AL01424 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |