Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam

trib. Rivanna River· Albemarle, Virginia· Earth· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 82% in VA)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage29 acre-ft
Normal Storage6 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDVA003026

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 26, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Martha Jefferson Hospital;Martha Jefferson Hospital

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam?

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin 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 Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam?

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam is owned by Martha Jefferson Hospital;Martha Jefferson Hospital (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam?

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam?

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam last inspected?

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam was last inspected on June 26, 2020. 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.