Roanoke Creek Dam # 49a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Roanoke Creek Dam # 49a, also known as Royster Lake, is a crucial structure located in Keysville, Virginia, that plays a significant role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 34.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 2,130 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 131 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 502 feet and covers a surface area of 30.5 acres, serving as a key defense against potential flooding events.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Roanoke Creek Dam # 49a is deemed to have a significant hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment as of July 2020. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity, with the last assessment taking place in July 2020. Although no spillway type or width information is provided, the dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction underscores its importance in safeguarding the community and the environment from potential water-related disasters. As an essential component of the local government's flood management strategy, this dam stands as a crucial asset in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts.
In the event of an emergency, it is essential for stakeholders to have preparedness measures in place, including an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to guide responses and mitigate risks effectively. While the EAP status for Roanoke Creek Dam # 49a is unspecified, ongoing efforts to meet guidelines and ensure adherence to safety protocols are crucial for maintaining the dam's functionality and protecting the surrounding community. Overall, Roanoke Creek Dam # 49a stands as a vital infrastructure piece in Virginia's water resource management and climate resilience framework, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to uphold its flood risk reduction capabilities.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
502 |
Dam Height |
34.2 |
River Or Stream |
Little Horsepen Creek - VAHU6 RU85 Horsepen Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
34.2 |
Drainage Area |
5.7 |
Nid Storage |
2130 |
Structural Height |
34.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 # 49a