Clifton Forge Dam
Clifton Forge Dam is a gravity dam located in Alleghany County, Virginia, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Clifton Forge Dam
The primary purpose of Clifton Forge 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 Clifton Forge;town Of Clifton Forge (local government). It impounds the Smith Creek.
The dam stands 57 feet tall and stretches 182 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 323 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1949, 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 12/08/2021.
At 57 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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 | Alleghany |
| River/Stream | Smith Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.84910, -79.83830 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 57 ft |
| Dam Height | 57 ft |
| Dam Length | 182.5 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 323 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 323 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 118 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Clifton Forge;Town of Clifton Forge |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/08/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA005003 |
| Federal ID | VA005003 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |