College Lake Dam

Blackwater Creek - VAHU6 JM10 - Blackwater Creek· Lynchburg, Virginia· Earth· 35 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

College Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. 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	35 ft (taller than 80% in VA)
Dam Length	300 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	680 acre-ft
Normal Storage	58 acre-ft

Surface Area	15 acres
Drainage Area	22 sq mi
Max Discharge	8,100 cfs
NID ID	VA680002

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: November 9, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Lynchburg, Department of Water Resources

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Scotts Mill Dam

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Davis Lake Dam

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Reusens

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Lakeland Dam

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New Camp Hydaway Dam

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New Camp Hydaway Lake Dam

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Lake Summit Dam

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Swan Lake Dam

Bedford, VA

Significant Hazard 32 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of College Lake Dam?

College Lake 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 College Lake Dam?

College Lake Dam is owned by City of Lynchburg, Department of Water Resources (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of College Lake Dam?

College Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is College Lake Dam?

College Lake Dam has a dam height of 35 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 College Lake Dam last inspected?

College Lake Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2021. 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.