Lanier Dam

MULBERRY CREEK· Martinsville, Virginia· Earth· 39 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lanier 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	39 ft (taller than 85.8% in VA)
Dam Length	427 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	730 acre-ft
Normal Storage	532 acre-ft

Surface Area	26 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
NID ID	VA089010

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 29, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Lanier Farms, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Nease Dam

Henry, VA

Unknown 26 ft

Zehr Pond Dam

Henry, VA

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Smith River Dam

Henry, VA

High Hazard 38 ft

Fisher Dam

Henry, VA

Low Hazard 32 ft

Dodson Dam

Henry, VA

Unknown 26 ft

Mount Bethel Church Dam

Martinsville, VA

Unknown 25 ft

Cox Dam

Henry, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Patrick Henry Farm Corp Dam 2

Henry, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lanier Dam?

Lanier 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 Lanier Dam?

Lanier Dam is owned by Lanier Farms, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lanier Dam?

Lanier 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 Lanier Dam?

Lanier Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Lanier Dam last inspected?

Lanier Dam was last inspected on December 29, 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.