Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam is a vital structure located in Bath, Virginia, designed by HARZA ENGINEERING COMPANY and completed in 1984.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 135 feet, with a hydraulic height of 118 feet and a structural height of 170 feet, serving a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. With a storage capacity of 30,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 555 acres, this dam on Back Creek plays a crucial role in water resource management and energy production in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 64 feet and two Tainter (radial) outlet gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is not available, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of downstream communities and infrastructure. With a risk assessment rating of Very High (1), it is evident that the Bath County P S Lower Reservoir - Lower Dam is a critical component of the local water resource and climate landscape, demanding attention and proactive risk management measures to safeguard its operations and surrounding areas from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

2400

Dam Height

135

River Or Stream

Back Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

555

Hydraulic Height

118

Drainage Area

73.4

Nid Storage

30500

Structural Height

170

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

170
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.