Nelson Dam

TR-BOBS CREEK· Nelson, Virginia· Earth· 42 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Nelson Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 88.8% in VA)
Dam Length738 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage920 acre-ft
Normal Storage640 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDVA125001

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: April 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

State Government

Nearby Dams

Stevens Lake Dam

Nelson, VA

Unknown 31 ft

Payne Pond

Nelson, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Watts Dam

Nelson, VA

Unknown 33 ft

Black Creek Impoundment

Nelson, VA

Low Hazard 24 ft

Nelson County Dam #6

Nelson, VA

Unknown 25 ft

Doug Branch Pond

Buckingham, VA

Low Hazard 30 ft

Black Fox Hills Dam

Nelson, VA

High Hazard 48 ft

Tusculum Dam

Amherst, VA

Significant Hazard 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nelson Dam?

Nelson 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 Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam is owned by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Nelson Dam?

Nelson 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 Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Nelson Dam last inspected?

Nelson Dam was last inspected on April 21, 2022. 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.