Big Island dam
Big Island
Big Island in Bedford, Virginia, stands as a testament to the rich history of hydroelectric power generation in the region. Completed in 1850, this stone dam on the James River has a structural height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet, serving primarily for hydroelectric purposes. With a storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 110 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in harnessing the natural resources of the area for sustainable energy production.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Big Island Dam boasts a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. Despite its age, the dam has withstood the test of time and continues to operate effectively, providing valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management, climate considerations, and infrastructure development. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 427 feet, ensures the safe release of excess water, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and inspection protocols in ensuring the safety and reliability of such critical structures.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, exploring the engineering marvel of Big Island Dam offers a glimpse into the intricate balance between human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. With its picturesque location on the James River and historic significance in the development of hydroelectric power, Big Island Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in sustainable water management practices. Through continued monitoring, assessment, and risk management measures, this dam continues to play a vital role in meeting the energy needs of the region while respecting the natural environment it relies on.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Big Island -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| James River At Holcomb Rock | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista | 43 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs | → |
| Maury River Near Buena Vista | 164 cfs | → |
| James River At Buchanan | 678 cfs | → |
| Kerrs Creek Near Lexington | 14 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Island .
Boat launches
- Elon Road Amherst County
- Monacan Park Road 1354, Amherst County
- Clemmons Lake Trail Lynchburg
- Arcadia Road Botetourt County
- Lowe Street Buchanan
- Botetourt Road Botetourt County
Campgrounds
- Otter Creek - Blue Ridge Parkway
- Otter Creek Recreation Area
- Town Shelter (With Shower, Toilet & Electricity)
- Hopper Creek Group Campground
- Cave Mountain Lake Campground
- Cave Mountain Lake
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- 1 Mile Southeast Of Buchanan (At End Of Nfs Land) To Snowden Dam Reservoir
- Top Of Apple Orchards Falls To Confluence Of North Creek With Jennings Creek
- Nf Boundary Along The South Fork Tye River Near Fdt 526 And State Highway 56 To Town Of Nash
- Segment A--Route 42 Bridge To Confluence With Jackson River
- Headwaters South Of Flint Mountain To St. Mary's Wilderness Boundary
- Headwaters To Farmville
Track Big Island in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Big Island
Where does the data for Big Island come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Big Island .