Moomaws
Moomaws is a gravity dam located in Buena Vista County, Virginia, built in 1842. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Moomaws
The primary purpose of Moomaws 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 Columbia Mills Hydroelectric, Llc (private). It impounds the Maury River near Buena Vista.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 230 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 650 square miles. Completed in 1842, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 06/27/2019.
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Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Buena Vista |
| Nearest City | Buena Vista |
| River/Stream | Maury River |
| Coordinates | 37.74400, -79.36694 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 230 ft |
| Year Completed | 1842 (184 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 650 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,800 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Columbia Mills Hydroelectric, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/27/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA163010 |
| Federal ID | VA163010 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |