Powers Dam dam
Powers Dam
Powers Dam, located in Bedford, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 25.25 feet and has a storage capacity of 42.08 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 24.8 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose and associated structures are not specified, but it is designated as having an undetermined hazard potential and is currently not rated in terms of condition assessment.
Although specific details regarding the dam's construction year, spillway type, and inspection history are not provided, its importance in water resource management in the region cannot be overlooked. With a surface area of 3.1 acres and the ability to store water for various purposes, Powers Dam plays a vital role in the area's water resource infrastructure. The dam's location within the Norfolk District of the US Army Corps of Engineers adds to its significance in the local water management system.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Powers Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the balance between human development and environmental impact. As a privately owned structure with state regulation and inspection, it exemplifies the need for responsible management of water resources to ensure both safety and sustainability. Further research into the dam's history, purpose, and potential risks can provide valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, ecology, and climate resilience in the region.
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 Powers Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Goose Creek Near Huddleston | 40 cfs | → |
| Back Creek Near Dundee | 13 cfs | → |
| Roanoke River At Niagara | 167 cfs | → |
| Roanoke River At Roanoke | 77 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs | → |
| Blackwater River Near Rocky Mount | 36 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Powers Dam.
Boat launches
- Oak Hollow Road Bedford County
- Oak Grove Drive Franklin County
- Hardy Road Bedford County
- State Park Road Bedford County
- Dudley Amos Road Franklin County
- Jefferson Dock Road Arrowhead
Campgrounds
- Smith Mountain Lake
- Camp Lowman
- Peaks Of Otter - Blue Ridge Parkway
- Peaks Of Otter Campground
- Roanoke Mtn
- Roanoke Mountain - Blue Ridge Parkway
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
- Segment D--Gathright Dam To State Route 687 Bridge At Clearwater Park
- Headwaters To Farmville
Track Powers 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 Powers Dam
Where does the data for Powers 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 Powers Dam.