Roanoke Creek Dam # 61a
Roanoke Creek Dam # 61a is an earth dam located in Charlotte County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Roanoke Creek Dam # 61a
The primary purpose of Roanoke Creek Dam # 61a is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Southside Soil And Water Conservation District (local government). It impounds the Unnamed Tributary To Horsepen Creek - Vahu6 Ru85 Horsepen Creek near Drakes Branch.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 1,029 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 794 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles.
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 11/20/2019.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% 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 | Charlotte |
| Nearest City | Drakes Branch |
| River/Stream | Unnamed Tributary To Horsepen Creek - Vahu6 Ru85 Horsepen Creek |
| Coordinates | 36.94660, -78.57020 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,029 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 794 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 794 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Southside Soil and Water Conservation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/20/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA037011 |
| Federal ID | VA037011 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |