Mays Dam

SNEADS RUN· Amherst, Virginia· Earth· 24 ft tall
Unknown Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Mays Dam is classified as unknown in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 42.5% in VA)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage168 acre-ft
Normal Storage103 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDVA009009

Safety Information

Unknown

Hazard potential has not been determined.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 11, 1992
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

K. Elwood , Samuel L. & J. Jerry Mays

Private

Nearby Dams

Buffalo River Dam # 2

Amherst, VA

High Hazard 71 ft

Buffalo River Dam # 3

Amherst, VA

High Hazard 60 ft

Buffalo River Dam # 4a

Amherst, VA

High Hazard 64 ft

Amherst County Dam # 3

Amherst, VA

Unknown 26 ft

Amherst County Dam # 2

Amherst, VA

Unknown 31 ft

Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam

Amherst, VA

High Hazard 32 ft

Sweet Briar College - Upper Dam

Amherst, VA

Low Hazard 25 ft

Winton Country Club Dam

Amherst, VA

Significant Hazard 31 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mays Dam?

Mays Dam is classified as Unknown. Hazard potential has not been determined. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Mays Dam?

Mays Dam is owned by K. Elwood , Samuel L. & J. Jerry Mays (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Mays Dam?

Mays 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 Mays Dam?

Mays Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Mays Dam last inspected?

Mays Dam was last inspected on February 11, 1992. 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.