Blue Ridge Estates Dam, also known as Emerald Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Botetourt, Virginia.
Wind
Humidity
This dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Situated along Laymantown Creek, the dam stands at a height of 33 feet with a length of 430 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Estates Dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, with the last inspection conducted in December 2020. Emergency action plans have been prepared, although the last revision date was in 2008, and there are no inundation maps or risk assessments readily available.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Blue Ridge Estates Dam presents an opportunity to appreciate the intersection of human infrastructure and natural landscapes. With its strategic location and purpose for recreation, this dam serves as a vital component in the local ecosystem, offering a haven for wildlife and a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and maintenance of this structure, its role in water resource management and environmental conservation remains a key focus for stakeholders and regulators alike.
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
LAYMANTOWN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
33 |
Tinker Creek Near Daleville
|
4cfs |
Roanoke River At Niagara
|
173cfs |
Roanoke River At Roanoke
|
75cfs |
Back Creek Near Dundee
|
18cfs |
Catawba Creek Near Catawba
|
7cfs |
James River At Buchanan
|
588cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Pig Farm Campsite
|
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Roanoke Mountain - Blue Ridge Parkway
|
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Roanoke Mtn
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