Walker Mill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Nelson County Dam #7 Ramsay Knox Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Walker Mill Dam, located on the Rockfish River in Virginia, is a historic hydroelectric structure completed in 1910 with a primary purpose of generating electricity.
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Summary
This gravity dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30 feet, with a length of 150 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3600 cubic feet per second.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential, it undergoes periodic inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The last inspection was conducted in September 2015, with an inspection frequency of 3 years. The risk assessment for Walker Mill Dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate any potential issues.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be fascinated by the historical significance and engineering marvel of Walker Mill Dam, as well as its role in generating renewable energy from the flowing waters of the Rockfish River. With its unique design and location, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and regulating water infrastructure to ensure environmental sustainability and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
Rockfish River, James River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
64 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rockfish River Near Greenfield
|
33cfs |
James River At Scottsville
|
1570cfs |
Hardware River Bl Briery Run Nr Scottsville
|
48cfs |
Tye River Near Lovingston
|
37cfs |
Slate River Near Arvonia
|
66cfs |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1380cfs |
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.
Walker Mill Dam