Uva Wise #1 Dam

Yellow Creek· Wise, Virginia· Earth· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Uva Wise #1 Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. 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 26 ft (taller than 51.6% in VA)
Dam Length230 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage42 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDVA195017

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
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

UVA - College at Wise

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Uva Wise #1 Dam?

Uva Wise #1 Dam 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 Uva Wise #1 Dam?

Uva Wise #1 Dam is owned by UVA - College at Wise (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Uva Wise #1 Dam?

Uva Wise #1 Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Uva Wise #1 Dam?

Uva Wise #1 Dam has a dam height of 26 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.

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.