Lake Salisbury Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Salisbury 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 | 38 ft (taller than 84.6% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 990 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 645 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,303 cfs |
| NID ID | VA041036 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Lake Salisbury Association
Private
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High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Salisbury Dam?
Lake Salisbury 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 Salisbury Dam?
Lake Salisbury Dam is owned by Lake Salisbury Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Lake Salisbury Dam?
Lake Salisbury 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 Salisbury Dam?
Lake Salisbury Dam has a dam height of 38 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 Salisbury Dam last inspected?
Lake Salisbury Dam was last inspected on October 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.