South Anna Dam #7 Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Anna Dam #6b Melanie Morgan Dam
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
South Anna Dam #7, also known as Lains Pond, is a significant earth dam located in Louisa, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along the Central Branch river.
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Summary
Owned by the local government, this dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a storage capacity of 715 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 209 acre-feet. The dam, completed in an unspecified year, covers a surface area of 35 acres and serves a drainage area of 3.03 square miles.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, South Anna Dam #7 has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in April 2020. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is deemed acceptable, with a designated inspection frequency of once per year. While the exact details of the dam's construction and modifications remain unspecified, its primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, with secondary benefits for recreation in the surrounding area.
Represented by Abigail Davis Spanberger (D) in the US Congress, South Anna Dam #7 plays a vital role in protecting the local community from potential flooding events. With its regulated status, enforcement measures in place, and a comprehensive emergency action plan, this dam stands as a crucial infrastructure piece in safeguarding the region's water resources and climate resilience.
Dam Length |
410 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
CENTRAL BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
3.03 |
Nid Storage |
715 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
South Anna Dam #7