Gaines Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gaines Mill Dam, located in Hanover, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation on Bloody Run.


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Summary

Designed by Hurt and Proffitt, Inc., this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 360 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Despite its recreational purpose, the dam has been assessed to be in poor condition with an undetermined hazard potential, raising concerns for its safety and the surrounding community.

With the state regulatory agency, Department of Conservation and Recreation, overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Gaines Mill Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The last inspection in July 2020 highlighted the dam's poor condition, prompting a need for risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety of the area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Gaines Mill becomes increasingly critical.

As discussions around dam safety and climate resilience evolve, the future of Gaines Mill Dam hangs in the balance. With its outdated emergency action plan and a history of poor maintenance, stakeholders must prioritize risk assessment and management to protect both the dam and the community it serves. By addressing the current condition and implementing necessary upgrades, Gaines Mill Dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while mitigating potential hazards posed by climate change and aging infrastructure.

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Bloody Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.