South Anna Dam #4

TR-SOUTH ANNA· Louisa, Virginia· Built 1981· Earth· 32 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

South Anna Dam #4 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length830 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage84 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1981 (45 years old)
NID IDVA109032

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 7, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Anna Dam #4?

South Anna Dam #4 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 South Anna Dam #4?

South Anna Dam #4 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.

When was South Anna Dam #4 built?

South Anna Dam #4 was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 South Anna Dam #4?

South Anna Dam #4 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 #4?

South Anna Dam #4 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 #4 last inspected?

South Anna Dam #4 was last inspected on December 7, 2021. 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.