Mitchell Dam is the second oldest of 14 Alabama Power Company hydroelectric generating plants. The dam was named for James Mitchell, Alabama Power president from 1912 to 1920.

Located on the Coosa River near Verbena, the dam straddles the Chilton and Coosa County line.

A unique feature of the new powerhouse, which was completed in 1985, is a 1,140-foot floating trash boom that deflects trash from the powerhouse intakes.

A fishing facility located below the dam is open year-round to the public. Parking, restrooms, picnic tables and an overlook are also available for public use.

Map of Lake Mitchell here

Authorized:

• Federal Power Administration - 1923

Purpose:

• Power generation, supply, recreation

Cost:

• $233 million

Construction started:

• Units 1-3: July 1, 1921
• Unit 4: June 1948
• Units 5-7: October 26, 1977

In-service date:

• Units 1-3: August 15, 1923
• Unit 4: November 9, 1949
• Units 5-7: April 1, 1985
• Units 1-3 were retired from service on May 1, 1985.

Generators:

• Unit 4 generator rates 20,000 kilowatts.
• Units 5-7 generators rate 50,000 kilowatts each.
• Total generating capacity: 170,000 kilowatts

Dam:

• Type: Gravity concrete
• Length: 1,277 feet
• Maximum height: 106 feet

Reservoir:

• Elevation above sea level: 312 feet
• Area: 5,850 acres
• Shoreline: 147 miles
• Length: 14 miles
• Maximum depth at dam: 90 feet
• Area of watershed draining into reservoir: 9,827 square miles