South Rivanna
South Rivanna is a gravity dam located in Albemarle County, Virginia, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About South Rivanna
The primary purpose of South Rivanna 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 Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (public utility). It impounds the South Fork Rivanna near Carrsbrook Subdivision.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 410 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 38,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 259 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 10/16/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Albemarle |
| Nearest City | Carrsbrook Subdivision |
| River/Stream | South Fork Rivanna |
| Coordinates | 38.10477, -78.46797 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 38,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 38,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 38,600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 410 acres |
| Drainage Area | 259 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 157,700 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA003123 |
| Federal ID | VA003123 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |