Mitchell Dam (Lake Mitchell)

Field Descriptions

Dam Name: Mitchell Dam
Other Name: MITCHELL HYDRO DAM
NID ID: MI01146
Longitude: -84.96
Latitude: 45.37
Map Section: 6 34N 05W
County: Emmet
River: BEAR RIVER
State: MI
Nearest City: PETOSKEY
Owner Name: CITY OF PETOSKEY
Owner Type: L
Private Dam? No
Dam Type: PG
Year Completed: 1933
Dam Length: 130 feet
Maximum Discharge: 200 cu ft/sec
Maximum Storage: 10 acre-feet
Normal Storage: 6 acre-feet
Drainage Area: 115 square miles
Hazard Potential: Significant
Emergency Action Plan? Not Required By Submitting Agency
Inspection Date: 1990-11-08
Inspection Frequency: 0
State Regulated Dam? Yes
State Regulating Agency: Michigan DEQ
Spillway Type: Controlled
Spillway Width: 39 feet
Federal Funding Agency: MITCHELL HYDRO DAM
Source Agency:

Dam Safety For Boats

A large amount of water can be released from a dam without any warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam may be turned on automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the downstream flow of water in only a matter of seconds.

If there's a need to release water through the sluiceways (outlets at the base of the dam), this operation can also create a great swell of discharged water downstream.

During flood operations, any or all spillway gates across the width of a dam can be opened to release upstream flood water that needs to pass to the next downstream reservoir. Upstream or downstream, even the most experienced boater with the strongest motor is no match for this strong flow of water plunging over a spillway of a dam. Even if you're boating far downstream of a spilling dam, recirculating current can pull a powerful boat upstream toward plunging water that could shred any boat.

Some dams equipped with navigation locks create turbulent water as well. When vessels pass through, strong flow is released near the exhaust ports of the wing wall of the lock.

Warning Systems At Dams

To warn reservoir users of potential danger, warning devices are installed at many dams:






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