Walker Mill Dam

Rockfish River, James River· Nelson, Virginia· Built 1910· Gravity· 32 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Walker Mill Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 74.1% in VA)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage64 acre-ft
Normal Storage64 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area22 sq mi
Max Discharge3,600 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDVA125007

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 27, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Hydro-WM, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Walker Mill Dam?

Walker Mill Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Walker Mill Dam?

Walker Mill Dam is owned by Hydro-WM, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Walker Mill Dam built?

Walker Mill Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Walker Mill Dam?

Walker Mill Dam 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 Walker Mill Dam?

Walker Mill Dam 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 Walker Mill Dam last inspected?

Walker Mill Dam was last inspected on September 27, 2018. 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.