Lake Monticello Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lake Monticello Dam, located in Fluvanna, Virginia, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This private-owned earth dam, with a height of 85 feet and a length of 1000 feet, was built to create Lake Monticello - a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 12,232 acre-feet and a surface area of 351 acres. The dam, situated on Boston Creek, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Lake Monticello Dam has a high hazard potential, highlighting the need for regular inspections and emergency preparedness. The dam was last inspected in November 2019, with a frequency of once a year. While the dam does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, it plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for the local community and visitors alike.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Lake Monticello Dam to be a fascinating example of how human intervention can create valuable water bodies for recreational purposes. As climate change continues to impact water resources worldwide, the management and upkeep of dams like Lake Monticello become increasingly crucial in ensuring both safety and sustainability for future generations.
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
85 |
River Or Stream |
BOSTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
351 |
Hydraulic Height |
85 |
Drainage Area |
8.4 |
Nid Storage |
19500 |
Structural Height |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
85 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rivanna River At Palmyra
|
520cfs |
Hardware River Bl Briery Run Nr Scottsville
|
124cfs |
James River At Scottsville
|
3600cfs |
Slate River Near Arvonia
|
78cfs |
N F Rivanna River Near Earlysville
|
123cfs |
James River At Cartersville
|
1820cfs |
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.
Lake Monticello Dam