John H. Kerr Dam

Roanoke River· Mecklenburg, Virginia· Built 1953· Gravity·
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Hydroelectric Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

John H. Kerr Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 Length2,785 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage3.4M acre-ft
Normal Storage1.5M acre-ft
Surface Area48,900 acres
Drainage Area7,800 sq mi
Max Discharge800,000 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDVA117001

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 20, 2023
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Wilmington District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Hundley Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

Low Hazard 12 ft

Clydes Pond Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

Low Hazard 10 ft

Blalock Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

Unknown 24 ft

Kidwell Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

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Johnsons Dam

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Gordons Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

High Hazard 26 ft

Moore Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

Unknown 26 ft

River Ridge Assoc. Dam

Mecklenburg, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of John H. Kerr Dam?

John H. Kerr 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 John H. Kerr Dam?

John H. Kerr Dam is owned by USACE - Wilmington District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was John H. Kerr Dam built?

John H. Kerr Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 John H. Kerr Dam?

John H. Kerr Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was John H. Kerr Dam last inspected?

John H. Kerr Dam was last inspected on April 20, 2023. 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.