James A. Strong Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brocks Mill Dam Greens Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
James A.
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Summary
Strong Dam, located in Albemarle, Virginia, is a privately owned structure primarily designated for recreational purposes. The dam stands at 31 feet high and stretches 312 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 82 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Burnley Branch Creek, the dam's low hazard potential and unassessed condition make it an intriguing subject for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, James A. Strong Dam has state-regulated jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. Despite being built for recreational purposes, the dam's potential for risk management measures and emergency action planning remains unexplored, raising questions about its preparedness for unforeseen events. With a last inspection date in 2000 and limited information on modifications and updates, further investigation into the dam's resilience to changing environmental conditions may offer valuable insights for enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.
Although the dam's specific design features and construction details are not fully outlined, its presence as a privately owned earth structure on Burnley Branch Creek presents an opportunity for deeper exploration into its role in water management and recreation in the region. With its location in the Baltimore District of Virginia and under the oversight of state regulatory agencies, James A. Strong Dam stands as a symbol of both human intervention in natural landscapes and the ongoing need for sustainable water resource practices in a changing climate.
Dam Length |
312 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-Burnley Branch Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
0.59 |
Nid Storage |
128 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
James A. Strong Dam