Saponi Dam

TR-Preddy Creek· Albemarle, Virginia· Earth· 28 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Saponi Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 60.8% in VA)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage87 acre-ft
Normal Storage43 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDVA079006

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 7, 2001
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Lake Saponi Homeowners Association, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Bishops Dam

Greene, VA

Unknown 33 ft

Smiths Dam

Albemarle, VA

Significant Hazard 28 ft

Harlow Farm Dam

Greene, VA

Unknown 19 ft

Deer Lake Dam

Greene, VA

High Hazard 12 ft

Preddy Creek Road

Albemarle, VA

Unknown 26 ft

Word Farm Dam

Greene, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Ruckers Lake Dam

Greene, VA

High Hazard 40 ft

Mosby Mountain Dam #2

Albemarle, VA

Unknown 19 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Saponi Dam?

Saponi Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Saponi Dam?

Saponi Dam is owned by Lake Saponi Homeowners Association, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Saponi Dam?

Saponi 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 Saponi Dam?

Saponi Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Saponi Dam last inspected?

Saponi Dam was last inspected on December 7, 2001. 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.