Griggs Dam dam
Griggs Dam
Griggs Dam, located in Henrico, Virginia, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation. Standing at a height of 18 feet, this earth dam on Four Mile Creek has a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 36 acre-feet. While the dam's hazard potential is currently labeled as 'Undetermined' and its condition has not been rated, it is regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place.
Despite lacking specific details on its completion year, dimensions, or maintenance history, Griggs Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding environment. The dam's presence on Four Mile Creek within the Norfolk District highlights the importance of monitoring its condition and management practices to prevent any potential risks or hazards. As a structure that caters to recreational activities, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize safety measures and regulatory compliance to ensure the long-term sustainability of Griggs Dam and its associated water resources.
As enthusiasts continue to explore the intricacies of water management and climate resilience, Griggs Dam stands as a notable case study in private ownership and state regulation. With its unique setting in the natural landscape of Henrico, Virginia, and oversight from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and environmental protection. By staying informed about its condition, hazard potential, and emergency preparedness, water resource enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the intricate relationship between infrastructure development and the preservation of our natural 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 Griggs Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chickahominy River Near Providence Forge | 27 cfs | → |
| James River Near Richmond | 1,250 cfs | → |
| Appomattox River At Matoaca | 121 cfs | → |
| Totopotomoy Creek Near Studley | 6 cfs | → |
| James River And Kanawha Canal Near Richmond | 137 cfs | → |
| Pamunkey River Near Hanover | 136 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Griggs Dam.
Track Griggs 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 Griggs Dam
Where does the data for Griggs 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 Griggs Dam.