Talbott

Dan· Patrick, Virginia· Built 1938· Arch· 123 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Talbott is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 123 ft (taller than 99.1% in VA)
Dam Length510 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage7.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.5K acre-ft
Surface Area165 acres
Drainage Area20 sq mi
Max Discharge8,500 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDVA141001

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: October 20, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Northbrook Carolina Hydro II, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Talbott?

Talbott 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 Talbott?

Talbott is owned by Northbrook Carolina Hydro II, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Talbott built?

Talbott was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Talbott?

Talbott serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Talbott?

Talbott has a dam height of 123 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 Talbott last inspected?

Talbott was last inspected on October 20, 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.