South Anna Dam #3
South Anna Dam #3 is an earth dam located in Louisa County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About South Anna Dam #3
The primary purpose of South Anna Dam #3 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 Thomas Jefferson Soil And Water Conservation District (local government). It impounds the Fielding Creek.
The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 990 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 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 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 12/07/2021.
At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% 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 | Louisa |
| River/Stream | Fielding Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.06340, -78.19120 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 990 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 990 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 130 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/07/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA109031 |
| Federal ID | VA109031 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |