Big Cherry Rcc Dam

SOUTH FORK POWELL RIVER· Wise, Virginia· Concrete· 70 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Big Cherry Rcc Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. 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	70 ft (taller than 97% in VA)
Dam Length	400 ft
Dam Type	Concrete
Max Storage	5.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.9K acre-ft

Surface Area	156 acres
Drainage Area	6 sq mi
NID ID	VA195016

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: June 1, 2016

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Town of Big Stone Gap

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Rimrock Lake Dam

Wise, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Upper Norton Reservoir Dam

Norton, VA

High Hazard 78 ft

Lower Norton Reservoir Dam

Norton, VA

High Hazard 63 ft

Bens Branch Dam

Wise, VA

High Hazard 55 ft

Black Creek Dam

Wise, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Bark Camp Dam

Scott, VA

High Hazard 35 ft

Uva Wise #1 Dam

Wise, VA

High Hazard 26 ft

Uva Wise #2 Dam

Wise, VA

High Hazard 22 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Cherry Rcc Dam?

Big Cherry Rcc 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 Big Cherry Rcc Dam?

Big Cherry Rcc Dam is owned by Town of Big Stone Gap (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Big Cherry Rcc Dam?

Big Cherry Rcc Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Big Cherry Rcc Dam?

Big Cherry Rcc Dam has a dam height of 70 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 Big Cherry Rcc Dam last inspected?

Big Cherry Rcc Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.