South Rivanna Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

South Rivanna, located in Albemarle, Virginia, is a gravity dam built in 1965 for hydroelectric purposes on the South Fork Rivanna river.


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Summary

With a height of 47 feet and a storage capacity of 38,600 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in the water resource management of the region. The dam has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, making it an important structure to monitor and maintain for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, South Rivanna dam has a spillway width of 525 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 157,700 cubic feet per second. The dam's location in the Carrsbrook Subdivision and its proximity to the Baltimore District further highlight its significance in the local infrastructure. Despite not being state regulated, the dam's operational and safety measures are overseen by federal agencies, ensuring its compliance with industry standards and guidelines.

With its multi-arch design and rock foundation, South Rivanna dam stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in harnessing hydropower resources. Its presence not only provides renewable energy but also supports flood control and water supply management in the area. As climate change intensifies, the role of such structures becomes increasingly vital in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

South Fork Rivanna

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

410

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

259

Nid Storage

38600

Structural Height

50

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

50
       
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.