Lake Independence Dam

COLD HARBOR CREEK· Westmoreland, Virginia· Built 1970· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Lake Independence Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 8.1% in VA)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.4K acre-ft
Surface Area93 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge326 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDVA193004

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
Last Inspection: December 30, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Independence Dam?

Lake Independence 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 Lake Independence Dam?

Lake Independence Dam is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Independence Dam built?

Lake Independence Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Lake Independence Dam?

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

How tall is Lake Independence Dam?

Lake Independence Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Lake Independence Dam last inspected?

Lake Independence Dam was last inspected on December 30, 2021. 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.