South Anna Dam #23

DESPER CREEK· Louisa, Virginia· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

South Anna Dam #23 is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 74.1% in VA)
Dam Length670 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage417 acre-ft
Normal Storage53 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge8,303 cfs
NID IDVA109035

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 28, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

South Anna Dam #22

Louisa, VA

High Hazard 37 ft

Woolfolk Brothers Dam #2

Louisa, VA

Unknown 24 ft

Woolfolks Dam No. 1

Louisa, VA

Low Hazard 26 ft

Louisa H.S. Dam

Louisa, VA

Unknown 21 ft

Routes 522 & 605 Dam

Louisa, VA

Unknown 35 ft

Little River Dam #1

Louisa, VA

Significant Hazard 37 ft

Pink House Dam

Louisa, VA

Unknown 16 ft

Glen Beau Dam

Louisa, VA

Unknown 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Anna Dam #23?

South Anna Dam #23 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates South Anna Dam #23?

South Anna Dam #23 is owned by Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of South Anna Dam #23?

South Anna Dam #23 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is South Anna Dam #23?

South Anna Dam #23 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 South Anna Dam #23 last inspected?

South Anna Dam #23 was last inspected on April 28, 2020. 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.