Pounding Dick Woods Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pounding Dick Woods Dam, located in Albemarle, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 200 feet. Situated on a tributary of Pounding Branch, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.2 acres.

While the hazard potential of Pounding Dick Woods Dam is currently classified as undetermined and its condition assessment remains unrated, the dam undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of one inspection per year. The Emergency Action Plan status, risk assessment, and management measures for the dam are yet to be determined. Despite its uncertain risk profile, the dam continues to serve its intended purpose of providing a habitat for fish and wildlife in the area.

As an earth dam with a significant impact on the local ecosystem, Pounding Dick Woods Dam presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its location in a picturesque setting and its role in supporting biodiversity, the dam's management and potential future modifications could offer valuable insights into sustainable water resource practices and climate resilience efforts.

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

trib. Pounding Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.2

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

20
       
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.