Upper Sherando SCS 27

N FORK BACK CREEK· Augusta, Virginia· Built 1958· Earth· 59 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Sherando SCS 27 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 59 ft (taller than 95.7% in VA)
Dam Length950 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage763 acre-ft
Normal Storage36 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge9,200 cfs
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)
NID IDVA015003

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: March 19, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Sherando SCS 27?

Upper Sherando SCS 27 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 Upper Sherando SCS 27?

Upper Sherando SCS 27 is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Sherando SCS 27 built?

Upper Sherando SCS 27 was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Upper Sherando SCS 27?

Upper Sherando SCS 27 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Sherando SCS 27?

Upper Sherando SCS 27 has a dam height of 59 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 Upper Sherando SCS 27 last inspected?

Upper Sherando SCS 27 was last inspected on March 19, 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.