Shelhorse Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Old Bennett Farm Dam Blair Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Shelhorse Dam, located in Pittsylvania, Virginia, is a private-owned structure that serves multiple purposes, with recreation being its primary focus.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 18 feet in height, holds a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in irrigation and recreational activities in the area. Situated along the TR-WHITEHORN CREEK, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring its proper maintenance and enforcement of safety measures.
Although the hazard potential of Shelhorse Dam is currently undetermined, its condition assessment remains unrated. Despite this, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are yet to be determined or updated. With a history that lacks information on years of completion or modifications, the dam continues to be a significant feature in the local water resource landscape and a key asset for the surrounding community.
Overall, Shelhorse Dam stands as a vital structure in the region, providing essential services for irrigation and recreation. With its exact completion date and modifications unknown, the dam's safety and risk management measures are yet to be fully assessed and updated. As a private-owned facility regulated by state agencies, the preservation and proper maintenance of Shelhorse Dam are crucial for its continued functionality and the safety of the community it serves.
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WHITEHORN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pigg River Near Sandy Level
|
112cfs |
Roanoke River At Altavista
|
618cfs |
Goose Creek Near Huddleston
|
56cfs |
Big Otter River Near Evington
|
101cfs |
Sandy River Near Danville
|
40cfs |
Dan River At Stp Near Danville
|
905cfs |
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.
Shelhorse Dam