Cave Mountain
Key Takeaway
Cave Mountain is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 67.7% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 145 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 37 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | VA163005 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
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High Hazard 54 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cave Mountain?
Cave Mountain 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 Cave Mountain?
Cave Mountain is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cave Mountain built?
Cave Mountain was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Cave Mountain?
Cave Mountain serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cave Mountain?
Cave Mountain has a dam height of 30 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 Cave Mountain last inspected?
Cave Mountain was last inspected on March 20, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.