Amherst County Dam # 5 dam
Amherst County Dam # 5
Amherst County Dam # 5, located in Virginia along Thomas Mill Creek, stands as a vital water resource infrastructure managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This earth dam, with a height of 33 feet, primarily serves recreational purposes and boasts a storage capacity of 76.43 acre-feet. While the dam's hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition remains unrated, its state-regulated status ensures regular inspections and enforcement to uphold safety standards.
Despite lacking certain structural details and completion date information, Amherst County Dam # 5 remains a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike. With its significant storage capacity and surface area of 3.9 acres, the dam offers opportunities for recreational activities and contributes to the environmental landscape of Amherst County, Virginia. While its risk assessment and emergency preparedness status are unclear, the dam's presence underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the details of Amherst County Dam # 5, questions may arise regarding its design, construction, and regulatory oversight. While aspects such as spillway type, outlet gates, and modification history are unspecified, the dam's location along Thomas Mill Creek highlights its role in managing water flow and enhancing the surrounding ecosystem. With ongoing inspections and state jurisdiction in place, Amherst County Dam # 5 remains a key feature in the region's water infrastructure, inviting further study and appreciation from those passionate about sustainable resource management.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Amherst County Dam # 5 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| James River At Holcomb Rock | 593 cfs | → |
| Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista | 7 cfs | → |
| Maury River Near Buena Vista | 56 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs | → |
| Piney River At Piney River | 8 cfs | → |
| Kerrs Creek Near Lexington | 6 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Amherst County Dam # 5.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Amherst County Dam # 5
Where does the data for Amherst County Dam # 5 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.