Wilkes Dam dam
Wilkes Dam
Wilkes Dam, located in Bedford, Virginia, is a crucial water resource structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This earth dam stands at a height of 26.25 feet, with a storage capacity of 50.51 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 36.4 acre-feet. Despite its importance, the condition assessment for Wilkes Dam is currently rated as "Not Rated," with an undetermined hazard potential.
The dam's primary purpose and specific completion year are not listed, but its presence highlights the vital role of infrastructure in managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change. With a latitude of 37.3321 and longitude of -79.6074, Wilkes Dam is positioned within the Norfolk District, further emphasizing its significance for water management in the region. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the state-regulated status, inspection, and enforcement of this dam underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure to meet the challenges of a changing climate.
While details such as dam length, spillway type, and inspection frequency are not provided, the data on Wilkes Dam invites further exploration and consideration of its role in water management. As advocates for resilient water infrastructure and climate adaptation, staying informed about the condition and management of structures like Wilkes Dam is essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of evolving climate challenges.
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 Wilkes Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Otter River Near Bedford | 53 cfs | → |
| Goose Creek Near Huddleston | 18 cfs | → |
| James River At Buchanan | 657 cfs | → |
| Roanoke River At Niagara | 286 cfs | → |
| Back Creek Near Dundee | 5 cfs | → |
| Big Otter River Near Evington | 30 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wilkes Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Wilkes Dam
Where does the data for Wilkes Dam 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.