Southedge Dam

Southedge Dam
280px View of Lake Mitchell, created by Southedge Dam, from the Mulligan Highway, 2009.
Location of the dam wall in Queensland
Official name	Lake Mitchell Dam
Country	Australia
Location	Far North Queensland
Coordinates
Purpose	Irrigation
Status	Operational
Construction began	1986 (1986)
Opening date	1987 (1987)
Owner(s)	Southedge Daintree Pastoral Pty Ltd
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Embankment dam
Impounds	Mitchell River
Height (foundation)	16.5 metres (54 ft)
Length	530 metres (1,740 ft)
Reservoir
Creates	Lake Mitchell
Total capacity	190,000 megalitres (42×10^9 imp gal; 50×10^9 US gal)
Active capacity	129,000 megalitres (28×10^9 imp gal; 34×10^9 US gal)
Catchment area	321 square kilometres (124 sq mi)
Surface area	3,290 hectares (8,100 acres)

The Southedge Dam, also known as the Quaids Dam and officially known as the Lake Mitchell Dam, is an eathfill-filled embankment dam across the Mitchell River located in Far North Queensland, Australia. Opened in 1987 for the primary purpose of irrigation, the impoundment created by the dam is called Lake Mitchell and at full supply level has an active capacity of 129,000 megalitres (28×10^⁹ imp gal; 34×10^⁹ US gal).

Location and features

Commenced in 1986 and opened a year later, the Southedge Dam wall consists of an earthfill embankment 530 metres (1,740 ft) in length and 16.5 metres (54 ft) high. The reservoir has a catchment area of 321 square kilometres (124 sq mi). The reservoir has a total capacity of 190,000 ML (42,000,000×10^³ imp gal; 50,000,000×10^³ US gal) of water; and covers an area of 3,290 ha (8,100 acres). Southedge Dam has remained unused since it was opened in 1987; constructed and owned by Southedge Daintree Pastoral Company.

When the dam spills over it flows into the Mitchell River.

See also

• List of dams and reservoirs in Queensland
• Quaid Road

External links

• Photo on Flickr