Harrington Dam dam
Harrington Dam
Located in Bedford, Virginia, Harrington Dam is a state-regulated structure designed to provide recreational opportunities along the Wide Mouth Creek. Owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. While its hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition not yet rated, Harrington Dam offers a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
Managed by the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Harrington Dam serves as a key hub for outdoor activities in the region, with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam's design and construction reflect a commitment to both safety and environmental conservation, with state-mandated inspections and enforcement ensuring its continued operation and maintenance. While its specific completion date and exact purpose may be unspecified, the dam's role in providing water storage and recreational opportunities is clear.
With a focus on conservation and public enjoyment, Harrington Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As water levels ebb and flow, this structure remains a vital part of the local landscape, offering both a source of leisure and a reminder of the interconnectedness of human activity and the natural world. Whether for fishing, boating, or simply taking in the beauty of the surrounding area, Harrington Dam continues to be a cherished destination for all who appreciate the power and beauty of water resources.
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 Harrington Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| James River At Holcomb Rock | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs | → |
| Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista | 43 cfs | → |
| Piney River At Piney River | 49 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Evington | 218 cfs | → |
| Tye River Near Lovingston | 72 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Harrington Dam.
Boat launches
- Monacan Park Road 1354, Amherst County
- Clemmons Lake Trail Lynchburg
- Elon Road Amherst County
- Richmond Highway Appomattox County
- Arcadia Road Botetourt County
- Lowe Street Buchanan
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
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
- Headwaters To Farmville
- Nf Boundary Along The South Fork Tye River Near Fdt 526 And State Highway 56 To Town Of Nash
- Headwaters South Of Flint Mountain To St. Mary's Wilderness Boundary
- Segment A--Route 42 Bridge To Confluence With Jackson River
Track Harrington 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 Harrington Dam
Where does the data for Harrington 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 Undetermined 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 Harrington Dam.