Gieseke Dam

Buckingham, Virginia· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Gieseke Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 46.7% in VA)
Dam Length530 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage86 acre-ft
NID IDVA029038

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Kyanite Mining Corp.

Private

Nearby Dams

Lower Ski Pond

Buckingham, VA

Significant Hazard 40 ft

Buckingham County Dam #30

Buckingham, VA

Unknown 64 ft

Kyanite Mine Waste Dam #1

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Unknown 70 ft

Willis Mt. Tailings Pond

Buckingham, VA

Significant Hazard 35 ft

Kyanite Dam #3

Buckingham, VA

Unknown 50 ft

Kyanite East Ridge Dam

Buckingham, VA

Unknown 72 ft

East Ridge Dam

Buckingham, VA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Buckingham County Dam #28

Buckingham, VA

Unknown 35 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gieseke Dam?

Gieseke Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Gieseke Dam?

Gieseke Dam is owned by Kyanite Mining Corp. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Gieseke Dam?

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

How tall is Gieseke Dam?

Gieseke Dam has a dam height of 25 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.

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.