Reusens
Reusens is a gravity dam located in Lynchburg County, Virginia, built in 1903. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Reusens
The primary purpose of Reusens is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Eagle Creek Reusens Hydro, Llc (public utility). It impounds the James near Lynchburg, Va.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 725 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 580 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,870 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,264 square miles. Completed in 1903, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/17/2022.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Lynchburg |
| Nearest City | Lynchburg, Va |
| River/Stream | James |
| Coordinates | 37.46340, -79.18570 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 725 ft |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,870 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,870 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6,870 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 580 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,264 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 215,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Eagle Creek Reusens Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/17/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA009004 |
| Federal ID | VA009004 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |