Niagara dam
Niagara
Niagara, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a gravity dam that has been serving as a hydroelectric facility since its completion in 1906. With a height of 52 feet and a hydraulic height of 60 feet, Niagara harnesses the power of the Roanoke River to generate electricity. The dam has a storage capacity of 425 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 60,000 cubic feet per second, making it a significant source of renewable energy in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Niagara is classified as a high hazard potential dam due to its size and location. Despite its age, the dam is considered to be in moderate condition with a risk assessment rating of 3. While there is no state regulation or inspection of Niagara, the dam is subject to federal oversight to ensure its continued safe operation. With its uncontrolled spillway and concrete gravity structure, Niagara stands as a testament to the enduring importance of hydroelectric power in the face of climate change challenges.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Niagara represents a historic and vital piece of infrastructure that highlights the intersection of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. As the push for sustainable energy sources grows, dams like Niagara play a crucial role in meeting the demand for clean electricity while mitigating the impacts of climate change. By understanding and appreciating the significance of dams like Niagara, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable future for water resources and the environment as a whole.
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 Niagara -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke River At Niagara | 131 cfs | → |
| Back Creek Near Dundee | 5 cfs | → |
| Roanoke River At Roanoke | 54 cfs | → |
| Tinker Creek Near Daleville | 1 cfs | → |
| Roanoke River At Glenvar | 47 cfs | → |
| Blackwater River Near Rocky Mount | 18 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Niagara .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Niagara
Where does the data for Niagara 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 below 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.
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.