Elkhorn Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Epperson Dam Strong Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Elkhorn Dam, also known as Poor Richard's Elkhorn Lake, is a private dam located in Pittsylvania, Virginia.
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Summary
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and stretches 420 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 2516 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 115 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Elkhorn Dam is classified as having significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. The last inspection in December 2020 indicated that the dam meets state regulatory standards, with enforcement and permitting also being in place. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 1992, underscoring the need for updated emergency protocols to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in the event of a dam failure.
As a key feature along Elkhorn Creek, Elkhorn Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities to the local community while also warranting careful monitoring to prevent potential hazards. With its picturesque location and vital functions, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and climate resilience in Virginia's diverse landscape.
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
ELKHORN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
115 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
7.2 |
Nid Storage |
2516 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dan River At Paces
|
1490cfs |
Banister River At Halifax
|
217cfs |
Dan River At South Boston
|
1480cfs |
Roanoke (Staunton) River At Brookneal
|
871cfs |
Roanoke River At Altavista
|
659cfs |
Pigg River Near Sandy Level
|
239cfs |
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.
Elkhorn Dam