Talbott
Talbott is an arch dam located in Patrick County, Virginia, built in 1938. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Talbott
The primary purpose of Talbott 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 Northbrook Carolina Hydro Ii, Llc (private). It impounds the Dan near Madison, Nc.
The dam stands 144 feet tall and stretches 510 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 165 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 7,540 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 20 square miles. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 10/20/2021.
At 144 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Patrick |
| Nearest City | Madison, Nc |
| River/Stream | Dan |
| Coordinates | 36.67810, -80.39720 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 144 ft |
| Dam Height | 123 ft |
| Dam Length | 510 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 7,540 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 7,540 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7,540 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 165 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Northbrook Carolina Hydro II, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/20/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA141001 |
| Federal ID | VA141001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |