Dodson Dam dam
Dodson Dam
Dodson Dam, located in Henry, Virginia, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 26 feet with a length of 280 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 41.6 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.28 acres. While its hazard potential is currently labeled as undetermined and its condition assessment is not rated, the dam is subject to regular inspections by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.
Despite lacking a specific completion year, Dodson Dam remains a significant landmark in the region, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and water resource management. Situated in the Wilmington District, the dam is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area and serves as a gathering point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and preservation of natural habitats. With its state-regulated status and adherence to inspection and enforcement protocols, Dodson Dam stands as a testament to responsible dam ownership and operation in Virginia.
As a key feature in the landscape of Henry, Virginia, Dodson Dam represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and environmental stewardship. Its role in providing recreational opportunities while maintaining a balanced ecosystem highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change and evolving regulatory standards. For enthusiasts passionate about water resources and climate conservation, Dodson Dam serves as a compelling example of how infrastructure can coexist with nature, ensuring both human enjoyment and environmental protection for generations to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Dodson Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Smith River At Martinsville | 170 cfs | → |
| Smith River At Bassett | 119 cfs | → |
| Smith River Near Philpott | 126 cfs | → |
| Smith River At Eden | 177 cfs | → |
| North Mayo River Near Spencer | 33 cfs | → |
| Mayo River Near Price | 105 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Dodson Dam.
Boat launches
- South Fieldcrest Road Draper Village
- Bethlehem Church Road 587, Eden
- Us Bus 220 Boat Access Stoneville
- Jefferson Dock Road Arrowhead
- Dudley Amos Road Franklin County
- State Park Road Bedford County
Campgrounds
- Goose Dam
- Salthouse Branch - Philpott Lake
- Goose Point - Philpott Lake
- Horseshoe Point - Philpott Lake
- Jamison Mill Park - Philpott Lake
- Fairy Stone State Park
Fishing spots
Track Dodson Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Dodson Dam
Where does the data for Dodson Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Dodson Dam.