Louisa Dam
Key Takeaway
Louisa Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 25 ft (taller than 46.7% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 280 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | VA109003 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Blue Ridge Property Owners Association
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Louisa Dam?
Louisa 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 Louisa Dam?
Louisa Dam is owned by Blue Ridge Property Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Louisa Dam built?
Louisa Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Louisa Dam?
Louisa 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 Louisa Dam?
Louisa Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Louisa Dam last inspected?
Louisa Dam was last inspected on May 4, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.