Red Hill Orchard Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Red Hill Orchard Dam, located in Albemarle, Virginia, is a privately-owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 24 feet and a length of 300 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 92 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of the Hardware River North Fork, this dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain safety and compliance.

Although the hazard potential of Red Hill Orchard Dam is currently classified as undetermined and its condition assessment is not rated, efforts are in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan status, inundation maps, risk assessment, and risk management measures are yet to be determined or updated. The dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency but falls under state jurisdiction, indicating its importance in the local water resource management and agricultural landscape in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Red Hill Orchard Dam offers a glimpse into the intricate network of privately-owned irrigation infrastructure in Virginia. As a key component in the local water management system, this dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. With its strategic location and state-regulated status, Red Hill Orchard Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dam maintenance and oversight in safeguarding water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with dam failure.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

trib. Hardware River North Fork

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

24
       
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.