Holcomb Rock
Holcomb Rock is a gravity dam located in Amherst County, Virginia, built in 1850. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Holcomb Rock
The primary purpose of Holcomb Rock 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 Holcomb Rock Company (private). It impounds the James River near Lynchburg, Va.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 644 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 127 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,250 square miles. Completed in 1850, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 06/26/2019.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Amherst |
| Nearest City | Lynchburg, Va |
| River/Stream | James River |
| Coordinates | 37.51010, -79.26590 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 644 ft |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 127 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,250 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Holcomb Rock Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/26/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA009021 |
| Federal ID | VA009021 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |