Martin Dam dam
Martin Dam
Martin Dam, located in Franklin, Virginia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes. Standing at a height of 27 feet with a length of 300 feet, this earth dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 29.92 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.8 acres. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and not being rated for condition assessment, Martin Dam is regulated and inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.
Owned by a private entity, Martin Dam serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking recreational activities in the area. With a hydraulic height matching its structural height, the dam offers a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy various water-based activities. Although its emergency action plan status and risk assessment details are unknown, Martin Dam continues to be a significant landmark in the region, attracting locals and tourists alike with its picturesque surroundings and potential for outdoor exploration.
While specific details such as completion year and modification history remain undisclosed, Martin Dam's presence in Franklin, Virginia, adds to the diverse landscape of water infrastructure in the state. As enthusiasts and conservationists appreciate the beauty of this recreational dam, its role in water resource management and climate resilience becomes evident, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety and preservation of such vital structures for future generations.
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 Martin Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Smith River Near Philpott | 126 cfs | → |
| Smith River At Bassett | 129 cfs | → |
| Blackwater River Near Rocky Mount | 36 cfs | → |
| Smith River At Smith Riv Church Nr Woolwine | 10 cfs | → |
| Smith River At Martinsville | 181 cfs | → |
| S F Roanoke River Near Shawsville | 25 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Martin Dam.
Boat launches
- Dudley Amos Road Franklin County
- Jefferson Dock Road Arrowhead
- Hardy Road Bedford County
- Oak Grove Drive Franklin County
- Oak Hollow Road Bedford County
- State Park Road Bedford County
Campgrounds
- Jamison Mill Park - Philpott Lake
- Ryans Branch - Philpott Lake
- Horseshoe Point - Philpott Lake
- Salthouse Branch - Philpott Lake
- Goose Point - Philpott Lake
- Goose Dam
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Jefferson Nf Boundary (Above Cascades Fall) To Jefferson Nf Boundary (Below Cascades Fall)
- Jefferson Nf Boundary Near Confluence With Nettle Hollow To Confluence With Laurel Branch
- Top Of Apple Orchards Falls To Confluence Of North Creek With Jennings Creek
More reservoirs
Track Martin 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 Martin Dam
Where does the data for Martin 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 Martin Dam.