Lanier Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nease Dam Smith River Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lanier Dam, located in Martinsville, Virginia, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This Earth dam, standing at a height of 39 feet and a length of 427 feet, holds a normal storage capacity of 532 acre-feet of water from Mulberry Creek. Despite its scenic surroundings and recreational value, Lanier Dam is currently in poor condition as per a 2016 assessment, with an undetermined hazard potential.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia is responsible for regulating and inspecting Lanier Dam, ensuring that it meets safety standards for the surrounding community. With a last inspection date in September 2016, the dam's condition is being monitored closely, despite no recent modifications or risk assessments. As an essential structure for recreational activities in the area, stakeholders and authorities must continue to prioritize the maintenance and safety of Lanier Dam to prevent any potential hazards or risks to its users and the environment.
Dam Length |
427 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
MULBERRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Drainage Area |
1.12 |
Nid Storage |
730 |
Structural Height |
39 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith River At Martinsville
|
149cfs |
Smith River At Eden
|
222cfs |
North Mayo River Near Spencer
|
61cfs |
Mayo River Near Price
|
132cfs |
Smith River At Bassett
|
101cfs |
Smith River Near Philpott
|
76cfs |
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.
Lanier Dam