Beaver Creek Dam #1 dam
Beaver Creek Dam #1
Beaver Creek Dam #1, also known as the Charles Mercer Garnett Sr. Dam, is a key structure in Albemarle, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along Beaver Creek. Owned by a public utility, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet with a length of 504 feet, providing a substantial storage capacity of 3,548 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, yet it also serves for recreation and water supply, showcasing its multi-functional role in the region.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Beaver Creek Dam #1 has a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in condition. Last inspected in July 2020, this critical infrastructure undergoes regular assessments to ensure its safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 9.55 square miles and a surface area of 104 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks, further emphasizing its importance in the local ecosystem and community.
Located at the coordinates 38.071 latitude and -78.6516 longitude, Beaver Creek Dam #1 stands as a testament to effective water resource management in Virginia. With state regulation and oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the public to safeguard against potential disasters and ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.
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 Beaver Creek Dam #1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mechums River Near White Hall | 8 cfs | → |
| Moormans River Near Free Union | 3 cfs | → |
| South River Near Dooms | 49 cfs | → |
| N F Rivanna River Near Earlysville | 8 cfs | → |
| South River Near Waynesboro | 29 cfs | → |
| South River At Harriston | 85 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Beaver Creek Dam #1.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Beaver Creek Dam #1
Where does the data for Beaver Creek Dam #1 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 High 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.