Rural Retreat Dam
Key Takeaway
Rural Retreat Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 44 ft (taller than 90.2% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 595 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| NID ID | VA197001 |
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
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
State Government
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Low Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rural Retreat Dam?
Rural Retreat 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 Rural Retreat Dam?
Rural Retreat 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 Rural Retreat Dam?
Rural Retreat 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 Rural Retreat Dam?
Rural Retreat Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Rural Retreat Dam last inspected?
Rural Retreat Dam was last inspected on February 17, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.