Echo Dam

MEREDITH BRANCH· Henrico, Virginia· Earth· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Echo 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 19 ft (taller than 24.5% in VA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage139 acre-ft
Normal Storage29 acre-ft
Drainage Area4 sq mi
NID IDVA087005

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: April 22, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Henrico County, Department of Public Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Overhill Dam

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Holtzgraph Dam

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Lake Rooty Dam

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Cox Road Dam

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West End Lake

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Grassy Dam

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Lake Innsbrook

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Significant Hazard 22 ft

West Broad Village Dam

Henrico, VA

Unknown 19 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Echo Dam?

Echo 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 Echo Dam?

Echo Dam is owned by Henrico County, Department of Public Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Echo Dam?

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

How tall is Echo Dam?

Echo Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Echo Dam last inspected?

Echo Dam was last inspected on April 22, 2022. 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.