Robertson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ford Dam Mountain Valley Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Robertson Dam, located in Henry, Virginia, on the PETRAS BRANCH river, is a private dam primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an Earth type, stands at a height of 30 feet with a length of 300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet. Despite being last inspected in 1993 and rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Robertson Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies, ensuring its compliance with safety and environmental standards. Although the dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation and recreation, it has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed risk assessment and emergency action plans.
With its scenic location and important role in water resource management, Robertson Dam stands as a vital infrastructure in Virginia. However, there is a need for updated inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential water resource in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
PETRAS BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
153 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith River At Martinsville
|
149cfs |
Smith River At Eden
|
222cfs |
Sandy River Near Danville
|
41cfs |
Smith River At Bassett
|
101cfs |
North Mayo River Near Spencer
|
61cfs |
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.
Robertson Dam