Goshen Dam
Goshen Dam is an earth dam located in Rockbridge County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Goshen Dam
The primary purpose of Goshen Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Boy Scouts Of America - National Capital Area Council (private). It impounds the Little Calf Pasture River.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 1,300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 438 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 85 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 10/22/2021.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% 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 | Rockbridge |
| River/Stream | Little Calf Pasture River |
| Coordinates | 37.95970, -79.45920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,672 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 438 acres |
| Drainage Area | 85 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Boy Scouts of America - National Capital Area Council |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/22/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA163001 |
| Federal ID | VA163001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |