Pedlar River Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Pedlar River Dam, also known as the Lynchburg Reservoir, is a gravity dam located in Virginia along the Pedlar River.
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Summary
This dam serves as a critical water supply infrastructure for the local government, providing storage capacity of 4,300 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 3,170 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 87 feet and spans 312 feet in length, with a surface area of 125 acres and draining an area of 32.2 square miles.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Pedlar River Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, the dam is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in October 2020. While there have been no reported modifications or incidents, the emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in August 2016, and its compliance with guidelines and risk management measures remain unspecified.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Pedlar River Dam presents a fascinating case study of a vital structure supporting both water supply and recreational purposes within the Amherst County of Virginia. With its impressive engineering design, regulatory oversight, and significant storage capacity, this dam serves as a key component of the local water infrastructure while highlighting the importance of effective risk management and emergency preparedness in safeguarding against potential hazards.
Dam Length |
312 |
Dam Height |
87 |
River Or Stream |
PEDLAR RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
125 |
Hydraulic Height |
87 |
Drainage Area |
32.2 |
Nid Storage |
4300 |
Structural Height |
87 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
87 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Oronoco
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Glen Maury Park
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Otter Creek Recreation Area
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Otter Creek - Blue Ridge Parkway
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Town shelter (with shower, toilet & electricity)
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Pedlar River Dam
1 Mile Southeast Of Buchanan (At End Of Nfs Land) To Snowden Dam Reservoir