Lake Monocan Dam

Allen Creek· Nelson, Virginia· Earth· 33 ft tall

High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Monocan Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is irrigation. 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	33 ft (taller than 76.7% in VA)
Dam Length	100 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	240 acre-ft
Normal Storage	77 acre-ft

Surface Area	10 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
NID ID	VA125002

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 15, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Wintergreen Pacific, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Wintergreen Dam (Lower)

Nelson, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Nelson County Dam #4

Nelson, VA

Unknown 38 ft

Nelson County Dam #1

Nelson, VA

Unknown 19 ft

South River Dam #25

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 62 ft

Rockfish Farms Dam

Nelson, VA

Low Hazard 32 ft

Spring Valley Dam

Albemarle, VA

Unknown 29 ft

South River Dam #23

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 49 ft

South River Dam #24

Augusta, VA

Low Hazard 35 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Monocan Dam?

Lake Monocan 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 Lake Monocan Dam?

Lake Monocan Dam is owned by Wintergreen Pacific, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Monocan Dam?

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

How tall is Lake Monocan Dam?

Lake Monocan Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Monocan Dam last inspected?

Lake Monocan Dam was last inspected on April 15, 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.