Watermarks Dam dam
Watermarks Dam
Watermarks Dam in Albemarle, Virginia, is a private-owned structure managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Situated on a tributary of the James River, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 35 feet, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres. While its primary purpose is for recreation, the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment remain undetermined, with no official rating to date.
Despite lacking a specified completion year or recent inspection details, Watermarks Dam continues to serve as a recreational hub in the region. With its serene surroundings and potential for outdoor activities, the dam offers a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore. As a notable feature in the Norfolk District, the dam's potential risk management measures and emergency preparedness are yet to be fully assessed, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure safety and resilience.
Whether for leisurely pursuits or environmental monitoring, Watermarks Dam presents a picturesque setting for individuals interested in water resources and climate dynamics. As stakeholders and authorities work towards enhancing its safety and regulatory compliance, the dam remains a significant landmark in the Albemarle County landscape, inviting visitors to appreciate the intersection of human ingenuity and nature's forces in this captivating water resource structure.
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 Watermarks Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| James River At Scottsville | 734 cfs | → |
| Hardware River Bl Briery Run Nr Scottsville | 18 cfs | → |
| Slate River Near Arvonia | 14 cfs | → |
| Rivanna River At Palmyra | 105 cfs | → |
| Rockfish River Near Greenfield | 17 cfs | → |
| James River At Bent Creek | 551 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Watermarks Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Watermarks Dam
Where does the data for Watermarks 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 below 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.
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.