Gathright Dam, also known as Lake Moomaw, is a rockfill dam located on the Jackson River in Alleghany, Virginia.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1978 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at a height of 257 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 421,500 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Gathright Dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for fish and wildlife, recreation, and water supply.
USACE has identified Gathright Dam as having a high hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam poses a risk of catastrophic flooding downstream if uncontrolled releases were to occur, impacting communities along the Jackson and James Rivers. To manage and reduce this risk, USACE conducts regular inspections, maintains the structure, and collaborates with local emergency managers for emergency preparedness. Additionally, mitigation measures were implemented during construction to address potential risks to the dam's integrity, such as water seepage and earth material slides.
Overall, Gathright Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control in the region, with USACE actively working to ensure its safety and reliability through risk management measures and ongoing maintenance activities. As a key component of water resource management in Virginia, the dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding downstream communities from the impacts of potential flood events.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
1208 |
Dam Height |
257 |
River Or Stream |
JACKSON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
2530 |
Hydraulic Height |
228 |
Drainage Area |
345 |
Nid Storage |
421500 |
Structural Height |
257 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
257 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Greenwood Point Campground
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Morris Hill Campground
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serenity
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McClintic Point Campground
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Bolar Mountain Campground
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Bolar Mountain
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