Scotts Mill Dam

James River mainstem - VAHU6 JM11 James River - Opossum Creek· Lynchburg, Virginia· Masonry· 11 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Scotts Mill Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 4.7% in VA)
Dam Length905 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage957 acre-ft
Normal Storage957 acre-ft
Surface Area166 acres
Drainage Area3,340 sq mi
Max Discharge38,370 cfs
NID IDVA680001

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: November 8, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Scotts Mill Hydro, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Scotts Mill Dam?

Scotts Mill 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 Scotts Mill Dam?

Scotts Mill Dam is owned by Scotts Mill Hydro, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Scotts Mill Dam?

Scotts Mill 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 Scotts Mill Dam?

Scotts Mill Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Scotts Mill Dam last inspected?

Scotts Mill Dam was last inspected on November 8, 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.