MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The City of Mitchell has completed a comprehensive study and evaluation of the Lake Mitchell Dam as part of compliance requirements set by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The study, conducted to ensure the safety of downstream residents, property and infrastructure, found the dam cannot safely pass the required 50% Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), the standard for reservoirs the size of Lake Mitchell.

According to the analysis, even upgrading the spillway to meet that requirement would not fully eliminate downstream risk.

In response, the City of Mitchell has formally requested a variance to allow the dam to remain at a 23% PMF rating. Approval of the variance would allow the city to move forward with the planned Lake Mitchell dredging project, which has been delayed amid regulatory review.

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has reviewed the report, prepared by Houston Engineering, and is recommending approval of the variance request with certain qualifications.

City officials say they are optimistic the project can proceed once state-level discussions are finalized.

A more detailed update is expected during the upcoming Mitchell City Council meeting scheduled for April 6.