John H. Kerr Dam - Saddle Dike 4 dam
John H. Kerr Dam - Saddle Dike 4
John H. Kerr Dam, also known as Saddle Dike 4, is a federal-owned structure located in Boydton, Virginia, on the Roanoke River. Built in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this gravity dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 1850 feet, with a surface area of 48,900 acres. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a critical component in managing water levels along the river.
The dam has a high hazard potential and is regularly monitored and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate risks associated with potential flooding events. Emergency action plans are in place, and the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity. The Corps works closely with local emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and readiness for any dam-related emergencies that may arise.
Despite the risks posed by severe weather events and the limited capacity to store water, the US Army Corps of Engineers remains committed to managing flood risks associated with the dam. By prioritizing maintenance, monitoring, and risk assessment measures, they aim to safeguard the surrounding communities and ensure the dam's continued functionality. More detailed information specific to this dam will be forthcoming, underscoring the ongoing efforts to protect water resources and address climate-related challenges in the region.
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 - Saddle Dike 4 -- 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 | → |
| Tar R At Us 401 At Louisburg | 27 cfs | → |
| Mayo Cr Nr Bethel Hill | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near John H. Kerr Dam - Saddle Dike 4.
Boat launches
- Nature Trail Mecklenburg County
- Mays Chapel Road Mecklenburg County
- Kimball Point Road Warren County
- Cuscowilla Lane Mecklenburg County
- 167 County Line Park Rd, Manson, Nc 27553
- River Ridge Boat Ramp
Campgrounds
- Camping Area A
- Host Sites
- North Bend Park - Kerr Reservoir
- Camping Area B
- Camping Area C
- Kimball Point State Rec Area - Kerr Lake
Fishing spots
Track John H. Kerr Dam - Saddle Dike 4 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 - Saddle Dike 4
Where does the data for John H. Kerr Dam - Saddle Dike 4 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 - Saddle Dike 4.