Nelson Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Nelson Dam #2 is a privately owned dam located in Henry, Virginia, with a height of 20 feet and a length of 740 feet.


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Summary

The dam has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 89 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 13.2 acres. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place.

Although the hazard potential of Nelson Dam #2 is currently listed as undetermined, the condition assessment is marked as not rated. The dam has an annual inspection frequency and emergency action plan (EAP) status is not specified. The risk assessment, risk management measures, and inundation maps prepared for the dam are also not documented. Despite these gaps in information, the dam remains an important structure in the region, serving its primary purpose effectively.

Nelson Dam #2 is part of the Huntington District in Virginia and is not owned or funded by any federal agencies. The dam's primary classification is earth, with a hydraulic height matching its structural height at 20 feet. The dam's associated structures, years of modification, and outlet gates information are not available. Overall, Nelson Dam #2 presents an intriguing case for water resource and climate enthusiasts, with room for further research and evaluation to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

20

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.2

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

20
       
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.