Ragsdale Large Dam dam
Ragsdale Large Dam
Ragsdale Large Dam, located in Pittsylvania, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Standing at a height of 28 feet, this earth dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.7 acres. The dam, completed at an unknown date, serves as a critical water resource for the surrounding area, with a primary purpose that remains unspecified.
Although the condition assessment of Ragsdale Large Dam is currently marked as "Not Rated," its hazard potential is classified as "Undetermined." This lack of assessment raises questions about the safety and stability of the structure, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its reliability. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its risk assessment and emergency preparedness, the dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Ragsdale Large Dam sparks curiosity about the management and regulation of this essential infrastructure. With its proximity to the Bird Creek tributary and its significant storage capacity, understanding the condition and potential risks associated with this dam is crucial for safeguarding the local ecosystem and communities that rely on its services. Further research and evaluation are needed to fully grasp the implications of this dam on water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
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 Ragsdale Large Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke River At Altavista | 874 cfs | → |
| Banister River At Halifax | 111 cfs | → |
| Dan River At Paces | 651 cfs | → |
| Roanoke (Staunton) River At Brookneal | 1,120 cfs | → |
| Pigg River Near Sandy Level | 200 cfs | → |
| Dan River At South Boston | 716 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ragsdale Large Dam.
Boat launches
- Railroad Avenue Campbell County
- Pittsylvania Avenue Altavista
- Radio Road Brookneal
- Taylor Ford Road Pittsylvania County
- Maple Avenue 556, South Boston
- Highway 62, Milton
Track Ragsdale Large 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 Ragsdale Large Dam
Where does the data for Ragsdale Large 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 Ragsdale Large Dam.