Gretna Dam

GEORGES CREEK· Pittsylvania, Virginia· Earth· 24 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gretna Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. 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	24 ft (taller than 42.5% in VA)
Dam Length	350 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	151 acre-ft
Normal Storage	36 acre-ft

Surface Area	7 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
NID ID	VA143011

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: September 7, 2016

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Town of Gretna

Local Government

Nearby Dams

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Shelhorse Dam

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Brushy Mountain Dam

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Blair Dam

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Owen House Pond Dam

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Burkhardt Dam

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Low Hazard 29 ft

Blair Dam

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Unknown 31 ft

Yeatts New Pond Dam

Pittsylvania, VA

Unknown 31 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gretna Dam?

Gretna 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 Gretna Dam?

Gretna Dam is owned by Town of Gretna (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Gretna Dam?

Gretna 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 Gretna Dam?

Gretna Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Gretna Dam last inspected?

Gretna Dam was last inspected on September 7, 2016. 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.