South Anna No. 5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Anna Dam #4 South Anna Dam #6b
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
South Anna No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
5, also known as Ely's Lake at Hawkwood Estate, is a local government-owned dam located in Louisa, Virginia. Built in 1972 by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 500 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction along the Wheeler Creek, with a storage capacity of 1405 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.92 square miles.
Despite its high hazard potential, South Anna No. 5 is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in March 2019. With a normal storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and a surface area of 24 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam's location and design make it a key feature in the area's flood risk management strategy.
Abigail Davis Spanberger, the Democratic representative for the area, oversees the regulatory aspects of South Anna No. 5, ensuring that the dam meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With a focus on safety and flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
WHEELER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Drainage Area |
3.92 |
Nid Storage |
1405 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
31 |
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 No. 5