Bens Branch Dam
Bens Branch Dam is a gravity dam located in Wise County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Bens Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Bens Branch Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Town Of Appalachia (local government). It impounds the Bens Branch.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 266 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 403 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/21/2017. That was 8 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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 | Wise |
| River/Stream | Bens Branch |
| Coordinates | 36.90250, -82.75240 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 266 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 403 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 403 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 396 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Appalachia |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/21/2017 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA195009 |
| Federal ID | VA195009 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |