Upper Ragged Mountain Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Upper Ragged Mountain is a crucial water supply dam located in Albemarle, Virginia, along Moores Creek.


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Summary

Standing at 47 feet tall and 470 feet long, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of providing water storage with a capacity of 757 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 14.7 acres and has a normal storage level of 135.3 feet.

Designed by Schnabel Engineering, LLC, Upper Ragged Mountain is classified as a public utility owned structure without state regulation or permitting. Despite its fair condition assessment as of 2010, the dam's hazard potential remains undetermined. The last inspection took place in October 2010, with an inspection frequency of 0. With its strategic location and critical role in water resource management, Upper Ragged Mountain continues to play a vital role in ensuring a reliable water supply for the region.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in Virginia, Upper Ragged Mountain stands as a testament to engineering expertise and resource management. With its impressive size and capacity, the dam represents a significant investment in water supply infrastructure for the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the technical details and operational significance of Upper Ragged Mountain serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

MOORES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.7

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

757

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

47
       
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.