Ridgeway Sportsman Club Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Ridgeway Sportsman Club Dam in Virginia is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, classified as an Earth-type structure, stands at 42 feet high and spans 285 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet. Located in Henry County, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Although the Hazard Potential of the dam is listed as "Undetermined" and the Condition Assessment is "Not Rated", the structure has not been evaluated for risk assessment or emergency preparedness. The dam's Emergency Action Plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are all currently unknown. Despite these uncertainties, the Ridgeway Sportsman Club Dam remains a significant feature in the local landscape, providing recreational opportunities for visitors while also raising questions about its safety and management practices.

With its unique design and location, the Ridgeway Sportsman Club Dam offers a fascinating case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's lack of comprehensive risk assessment and emergency preparedness highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance in ensuring the safety and longevity of vital water infrastructure. As stakeholders continue to assess and improve the management of dams like Ridgeway Sportsman Club, the broader conversation around water resource sustainability and climate resilience is further enriched.

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

42

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.6

Hydraulic Height

42

Nid Storage

122

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.