Gaines Mill Dam

Bloody Run· Hanover, Virginia· Earth· 15 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Other Private

Key Takeaway

Gaines Mill 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	15 ft (taller than 11.8% in VA)
Dam Length	360 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	187 acre-ft
Normal Storage	34 acre-ft

Surface Area	10 acres
Drainage Area	3 sq mi
NID ID	VA085006

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: No

Last Inspection: May 5, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Gaines Mill HOA

Private

Nearby Dams

Pebble Creek Dam

Hanover, VA

Low Hazard 13 ft

Drinkard Dam

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Unknown 28 ft

The Fields Dam @ Cold Harbor

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Dabney Lake Dam

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Cherrydale Dam

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High Hazard 14 ft

Barkers Millpond Dam

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Ellerson Mill Trace

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Unknown 24 ft

Covenant Woods Dam

Hanover, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gaines Mill Dam?

Gaines Mill 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 Gaines Mill Dam?

Gaines Mill Dam is owned by Gaines Mill HOA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Gaines Mill Dam?

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

How tall is Gaines Mill Dam?

Gaines Mill Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Gaines Mill Dam last inspected?

Gaines Mill Dam was last inspected on May 5, 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.