Lake Monticello Dam

BOSTON CREEK· Fluvanna, Virginia· Earth· 85 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Monticello 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 85 ft (taller than 97.9% in VA)
Dam Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage19.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage12.2K acre-ft
Surface Area351 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
NID IDVA065001

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: December 7, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Lake Monticello Owners' Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Monticello Dam?

Lake Monticello 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 Monticello Dam?

Lake Monticello Dam is owned by Lake Monticello Owners' Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Monticello Dam?

Lake Monticello 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 Monticello Dam?

Lake Monticello Dam has a dam height of 85 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 Monticello Dam last inspected?

Lake Monticello Dam was last inspected on December 7, 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.