Wellesley Dam, also known as Lake Wellesley Dam, is a local government-owned structure in Henrico, Virginia, regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, primarily designed for recreational purposes, stands at a height of 29 feet with a length of 600 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 131.3 acre-feet. Located on Hardings Branch, a small stream, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of April 2022.
Despite its recreational focus, the dam's condition and hazard potential raise concerns for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The structure lacks detailed data on its construction year and spillway type, indicating potential vulnerabilities in its design and safety features. With a drainage area of only 0.46 square miles, any failure or breach of the dam could impact the surrounding environment and communities downstream, underscoring the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
As of the latest inspection in April 2022, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unclear, suggesting a need for improved emergency preparedness and communication protocols. With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Wellesley Dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure resilience and risk mitigation play in safeguarding water resources and addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
HARDINGS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.46 |
Nid Storage |
131.3 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |