Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam
Key Takeaway
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1984 and is 42 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 135 ft (taller than 99.2% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 30.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 555 acres |
| Drainage Area | 73 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1984 (42 years old) |
| NID ID | VA017007 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Virginia Electric and Power Company
Public Utility
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Significant Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam?
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam?
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam is owned by Virginia Electric and Power Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam built?
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam was completed in 1984, making it 42 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam?
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam?
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam has a dam height of 135 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam last inspected?
Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam was last inspected on April 18, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.