Gathright Dam
Key Takeaway
Gathright Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 257 ft (taller than 99.8% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 1,208 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 421.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 123.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,530 acres |
| Drainage Area | 345 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,100 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
| NID ID | VA005001 |
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
USACE - Norfolk District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Gathright Dam?
Gathright 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 Gathright Dam?
Gathright Dam is owned by USACE - Norfolk District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Gathright Dam built?
Gathright Dam was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Gathright Dam?
Gathright Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Gathright Dam?
Gathright Dam has a dam height of 257 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 Gathright Dam last inspected?
Gathright Dam was last inspected on April 15, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.