Coleman Falls
Coleman Falls is a gravity dam located in Bedford County, Virginia, built in 1851. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Coleman Falls
The primary purpose of Coleman Falls 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 Coleman Falls Company, Llc (private). It impounds the James near Lynchburg, Va.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 562 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 210 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,180 square miles. Completed in 1851, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 06/26/2019.
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Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Bedford |
| Nearest City | Lynchburg, Va |
| River/Stream | James |
| Coordinates | 37.50230, -79.30020 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 562 ft |
| Year Completed | 1851 (175 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 210 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,180 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Coleman Falls Company, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/26/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA009003 |
| Federal ID | VA009003 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |