Ford Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ford Dam, located in Henry, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet and a normal storage of 31 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, serves an undetermined primary purpose and has not been rated for its condition yet.
Despite its condition assessment being "Not Rated," Ford Dam's hazard potential is currently labeled as "Undetermined." The dam has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or undergone any risk assessment or management measures. With a relatively small surface area of 2.3 acres and no specific spillway type or outlet gates reported, the dam's overall risk level and emergency preparedness remain uncertain.
In terms of inspections, Ford Dam is scheduled for evaluations at a frequency of once per year, but specific inspection dates and details are not provided in the data. While the dam's risk management and emergency response measures are lacking detail, its status as a privately owned structure under state regulation in Virginia highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of the surrounding community and water resources.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
38 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Nid Storage |
38 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
Ford Dam