Collins Upper Dam dam
Collins Upper Dam
Collins Upper Dam, located in Cumberland, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Standing at a height of 27.9 feet, the earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene getaway for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet and a normal storage of 122 acre-feet, the dam spans 285 feet in length and covers a surface area of 16 acres.
Although the hazard potential of Collins Upper Dam is currently undetermined, its condition assessment was reported as fair during the last inspection in 2011. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are yet to be determined, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and assessment. Situated on the TR-TEAR WALLET CREEK, this dam provides not only recreational opportunities but also serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
As water enthusiasts explore the beauty of Collins Upper Dam, its significance as a regulated structure in Virginia becomes apparent. With its fair condition and storage capacity, the dam presents a unique blend of recreational and functional purposes, inviting visitors to appreciate its role in both leisure and water resource management. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and maintenance of this vital structure, Collins Upper Dam remains a compelling destination for those passionate about water resources and the impact of climate on our environment.
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.
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 Collins Upper Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Appomattox River At Farmville | 80 cfs | → |
| James River At Cartersville | 1,580 cfs | → |
| Slate River Near Arvonia | 65 cfs | → |
| Buffalo Creek Near Hampden Sydney | 29 cfs | → |
| Holiday Creek Near Andersonville | 2 cfs | → |
| Appomattox River At Mattoax | 115 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Collins Upper Dam.
Boat launches
- Sandy River Reservoir Boat Ramp
- Boat Landing Lane Buckingham County
- Mill Quarter Road 1384, Powhatan
- Columbia Road Columbia
- Mill Mount Trail Powhatan County
- Otter's Path Trail Prince Edward County
Campgrounds
Track Collins Upper Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Collins Upper Dam
Where does the data for Collins Upper 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Collins Upper Dam.