Halifax is a gravity dam located in Halifax County, Virginia, built in 1921. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 37 ft37 ft tall and 669 ft long, taller than 83% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic concrete gravity section and the water level is illustrative.
About Halifax
The primary purpose of Halifax 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 Banister Hydro, Inc. (private). It impounds the Banister near Halifax.
The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 669 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 400 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,510 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 514 square miles. Completed in 1921, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 02/01/2022.
At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Halifax |
| Nearest City | Halifax |
| River/Stream | Banister |
| Coordinates | 36.78219, -78.92348 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 669 ft |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,510 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,510 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,510 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 400 acres |
| Drainage Area | 514 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Banister Hydro, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/01/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA083001 |
| Federal ID | VA083001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |