Pedlar River Dam

PEDLAR RIVER· Amherst, Virginia· Gravity· 87 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pedlar River Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. 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	87 ft (taller than 98.1% in VA)
Dam Length	312 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	4.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage	3.2K acre-ft

Surface Area	125 acres
Drainage Area	32 sq mi
NID ID	VA009005

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: November 9, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Lynchburg, Department of Water Resources

Local Government

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Moomaws

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pedlar River Dam?

Pedlar River 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 Pedlar River Dam?

Pedlar River Dam is owned by City of Lynchburg, Department of Water Resources (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Pedlar River Dam?

Pedlar River Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pedlar River Dam?

Pedlar River Dam has a dam height of 87 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 Pedlar River Dam last inspected?

Pedlar River Dam was last inspected on November 9, 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.