Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam in Albemarle, Virginia, is a crucial structure designed for flood risk reduction along a tributary of the Rivanna River.


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Summary

Owned privately and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet, with a storage capacity of 29.4 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flooding in the area, with a hazard potential deemed significant but a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020.

Located within the Baltimore District, Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the surrounding communities. With a surface area of 1.52 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, this dam serves as a key defense against potential water-related disasters. Regular inspections and state oversight ensure that the dam is functioning effectively to fulfill its flood risk reduction mandate.

Despite its private ownership, Martha Jefferson Retention Basin Dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure in the region, safeguarding against the destructive force of flooding. With a comprehensive emergency action plan in place and a history of satisfactory condition assessments, this earth dam continues to be a key asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Albemarle, Virginia.

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

trib. Rivanna River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.52

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

29.4

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.