Gordonsville Dam

DOVE BRANCH· Louisa, Virginia· Earth· 42 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Flood Risk Reduction Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Gordonsville 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	42 ft (taller than 88.8% in VA)
Dam Length	500 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	4.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	554 acre-ft

Surface Area	80 acres
Drainage Area	15 sq mi
NID ID	VA109023

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 13, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Louisa County Water Authorty

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Boswell Tavern Dam

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South Anna Dam #3

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Carroll Dam

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Grassdale Dam

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Rapidan Dam

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Mgmt Srs Dam

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Izac Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 35 ft

South Anna Dam #4

Louisa, VA

High Hazard 32 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gordonsville Dam?

Gordonsville 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 Gordonsville Dam?

Gordonsville Dam is owned by Louisa County Water Authorty (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Gordonsville Dam?

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

How tall is Gordonsville Dam?

Gordonsville Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Gordonsville Dam last inspected?

Gordonsville Dam was last inspected on April 13, 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.