Roanoke Creek Dam # 6a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Roanoke Creek Dam # 6a, also known as Dixon Lake, is a local government-owned structure in Charlotte, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along Wards Fork.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 35.9 feet and has a length of 539 feet, providing storage capacity of 1922 acre-feet. The dam has a normal storage of 164 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 35 acres, serving a drainage area of 5.44 square miles.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of November 2019, Roanoke Creek Dam # 6a poses a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Emergency action plans need updating, but the dam meets guidelines for risk management measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Roanoke Creek Dam # 6a will be crucial in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in flood-prone areas.
Dam Length |
539 |
Dam Height |
35.9 |
River Or Stream |
WARDS FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Drainage Area |
5.44 |
Nid Storage |
1922 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cub Creek At Phenix
|
40cfs |
Buffalo Creek Near Hampden Sydney
|
24cfs |
Roanoke (Staunton) River At Randolph
|
1140cfs |
Falling River Near Naruna
|
56cfs |
Roanoke (Staunton) River At Brookneal
|
914cfs |
Appomattox River At Farmville
|
135cfs |
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.
Roanoke Creek Dam # 6a