Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam, located in Amherst, Virginia, serves as a crucial water supply source for the area, with a primary purpose of water supply and secondary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, classified as a gravity dam, stands at a height of 31.7 feet and has a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the region. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2012, the dam poses a low hazard potential, indicating its stable infrastructure and low risk to surrounding communities.
Situated on the TR-WILLIAMS CREEK, the Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's location, with a drainage area of 1 square mile and a surface area of 12 acres, highlights its importance in managing water resources in the region. While the dam has not undergone major modifications or improvements in recent years, its last inspection in 2012 and emergency action plan review in 2015 demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of this vital water infrastructure.
Overall, the Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam stands as a significant asset for water resource management in Amherst, Virginia, providing essential water supply and recreational opportunities for the community. With state regulation and oversight in place, the dam's low hazard potential and fair condition assessment underscore its importance in safeguarding water resources and ensuring the safety of surrounding areas. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the role of dams like Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam becomes increasingly vital in ensuring sustainable water management for future generations.
Dam Length |
294 |
Dam Height |
31.7 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WILLIAMS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
31.7 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
177 |
Structural Height |
31.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Piney River At Piney River
|
26cfs |
James River At Holcomb Rock
|
935cfs |
Tye River Near Lovingston
|
34cfs |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1120cfs |
Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista
|
12cfs |
Maury River Near Buena Vista
|
131cfs |
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.
Sweet Briar College - Lower Dam