Roanoke Creek Dam # 31b
Roanoke Creek Dam # 31b is an earth dam located in Charlotte County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Roanoke Creek Dam # 31b
The primary purpose of Roanoke Creek Dam # 31b is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Southside Soil And Water Conservation District (local government). It impounds the East Branch Of Wards Fork.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 650 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 35 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,718 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 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 11/18/2019.
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 | Charlotte |
| River/Stream | East Branch Of Wards Fork |
| Coordinates | 37.12720, -78.62140 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,718 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,718 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 143 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Southside Soil and Water Conservation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/18/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA037012 |
| Federal ID | VA037012 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |