Springhill Lake Dam dam
Springhill Lake Dam
Springhill Lake Dam, also known as Toms Dam, is a privately-owned structure located in Bedford, Virginia. This earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans 400 feet in length with a primary purpose of recreation. It holds a maximum storage capacity of 231.9 acre-feet and covers an area of 11.17 acres. The dam is situated on the TR-Big Otter River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.
Despite its recreational focus, Springhill Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, although its condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in September 2017. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and emergency action plans are not yet in place. The structure is subject to regular state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. With its picturesque location and significant storage capacity, Springhill Lake Dam is a notable feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
In the care of private owners, Springhill Lake Dam serves as both a recreational attraction and a critical component of water management in the area. Its design by Froehling and Robertson, Inc. reflects a commitment to safety and functionality, although ongoing assessments and potential risk management measures may be necessary to address its high hazard potential. The dam's presence on the TR-Big Otter River adds to its environmental importance, highlighting the intersection of human-made structures with natural water systems. For those interested in water resources and climate, Springhill Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and its impact on local ecosystems.
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 Springhill Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs | → |
| James River At Buchanan | 678 cfs | → |
| James River At Holcomb Rock | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Goose Creek Near Huddleston | 40 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Evington | 218 cfs | → |
| Roanoke River At Niagara | 179 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Springhill Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Arcadia Road Botetourt County
- Lowe Street Buchanan
- Clemmons Lake Trail Lynchburg
- Elon Road Amherst County
- Monacan Park Road 1354, Amherst County
- Oak Hollow Road Bedford County
Campgrounds
- Peaks Of Otter - Blue Ridge Parkway
- Peaks Of Otter Campground
- North Creek Campground
- North Creek
- Hopper Creek Group Campground
- Cave Mountain Lake Campground
Paddle runs
- Top Of Apple Orchards Falls To Confluence Of North Creek With Jennings Creek
- 1 Mile Southeast Of Buchanan (At End Of Nfs Land) To Snowden Dam Reservoir
- Segment A--Route 42 Bridge To Confluence With Jackson River
- Segment B--Confluence With Bullpasture River To Route 42 Bridge
- Headwaters To Farmville
- Segment D--Gathright Dam To State Route 687 Bridge At Clearwater Park
Track Springhill Lake Dam 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 Springhill Lake Dam
Where does the data for Springhill Lake Dam 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 High 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 Springhill Lake Dam.