Radford
Key Takeaway
Radford is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 32 ft (taller than 74.1% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 293 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 350 acres |
| Drainage Area | 351 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,590 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | VA121001 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Radford City of
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Radford?
Radford 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 Radford?
Radford is owned by Radford City of (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Radford built?
Radford was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Radford?
Radford serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Radford?
Radford has a dam height of 32 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 Radford last inspected?
Radford was last inspected on August 23, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.