South Anna No. 5
Key Takeaway
South Anna No. 5 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 | 31 ft (taller than 71.8% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 105 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | VA109026 |
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
Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of South Anna No. 5?
South Anna No. 5 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 No. 5?
South Anna No. 5 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 No. 5 built?
South Anna No. 5 was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 No. 5?
South Anna No. 5 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 No. 5?
South Anna No. 5 has a dam height of 31 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 No. 5 last inspected?
South Anna No. 5 was last inspected on December 7, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.