Willis River Dam #1a
Key Takeaway
Willis River Dam #1a is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 | 42 ft (taller than 88.8% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 390 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 169 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | VA029001 |
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
Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Willis River Dam #1a?
Willis River Dam #1a 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 Willis River Dam #1a?
Willis River Dam #1a is owned by Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Willis River Dam #1a built?
Willis River Dam #1a was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Willis River Dam #1a?
Willis River Dam #1a 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 Willis River Dam #1a?
Willis River Dam #1a has a dam height of 42 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 Willis River Dam #1a last inspected?
Willis River Dam #1a was last inspected on February 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.