Niagara
Niagara is a gravity dam located in Roanoke County, Virginia, built in 1906. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Niagara
The primary purpose of Niagara 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 near Vinton.
The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 452 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 75 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 425 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 511 square miles. Completed in 1906, the structure is over a century 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 06/07/2022.
At 60 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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 | Roanoke |
| Nearest City | Vinton |
| River/Stream | Roanoke |
| Coordinates | 37.25458, -79.87549 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 452 ft |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 425 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 425 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 425 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 75 acres |
| Drainage Area | 511 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Appalachian Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA161001 |
| Federal ID | VA161001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |