John H. Kerr Dam dam
John H. Kerr Dam
John H. Kerr Dam, located on the Roanoke River in Virginia, was completed in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. This gravity dam stands at a structural height of 144 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 3,363,500 acre-feet. With a surface area of 48,900 acres and a drainage area of 7,800 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.
The dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, reflecting the potential hazards associated with flooding. To address these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various risk management measures, including continuous monitoring of dam conditions, prioritizing activities to reduce risks, and collaborating with local emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and preparedness. The dam also has an emergency action plan in place and undergoes regular maintenance and repairs to ensure its structural integrity and functionality.
Overall, John H. Kerr Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities in the region. With a commitment to risk management and emergency preparedness, the dam continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and water resources along the Roanoke River.
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 John H. Kerr Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Allen Creek Near Boydton | 0 cfs | → |
| Meherrin River Near Lawrenceville | 165 cfs | → |
| North Meherrin River Near Lunenburg | 78 cfs | → |
| Tar River Near Tar River | 3 cfs | → |
| Mayo Cr Nr Bethel Hill | 4 cfs | → |
| Roanoke (Staunton) River At Randolph | 1,470 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near John H. Kerr Dam.
Boat launches
- Nature Trail Mecklenburg County
- Mays Chapel Road Mecklenburg County
- Cuscowilla Lane Mecklenburg County
- Kimball Point Road Warren County
- 167 County Line Park Rd, Manson, Nc 27553
- Ivy Hill Road 3198, Mecklenburg County
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track John H. Kerr 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 John H. Kerr Dam
Where does the data for John H. Kerr 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 High 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 John H. Kerr Dam.