Leesville
Leesville is a gravity dam located in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Leesville
The primary purpose of Leesville 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 Appalachian Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Roanoke River near Leesville.
The dam stands 90 feet tall and stretches 980 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,270 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 94,960 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,505 square miles. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 04/13/2022.
At 90 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Pittsylvania |
| Nearest City | Leesville |
| River/Stream | Roanoke River |
| Coordinates | 37.09260, -79.40221 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 90 ft |
| Dam Height | 90 ft |
| Dam Length | 980 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 94,960 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 94,960 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 94,960 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,270 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,505 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 162,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Appalachian Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA143001 |
| Federal ID | VA143001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |