Turner Pond Dam dam
Turner Pond Dam
Turner Pond Dam, also known as Natural Bridge Dam #3 or Turner Dam, is a private and state-owned structure located in Rockbridge, Virginia. Built in 1947, this earth dam stands at a height of 42.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 130.3 acre-feet, primarily serving the purpose of flood risk reduction. With a normal storage level of 112.2 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.25 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its important function, Turner Pond Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition, with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in 2017 raised concerns about the dam's structural integrity, prompting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance. The Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia oversees the regulation, inspection, and enforcement of the dam, ensuring that safety measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.
Given its location on TR-Cedar Creek and the significant drainage area it serves, Turner Pond Dam poses a very high risk to the area in case of a failure. With a risk assessment rating of 1 (very high), it is crucial for the responsible agencies and owners to prioritize the dam's maintenance and risk management measures. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates should closely monitor the dam's condition and support efforts to ensure its continued safety and functionality for flood risk reduction and recreation purposes.
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 Turner Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| James River At Buchanan | 472 cfs | → |
| Maury River Near Buena Vista | 56 cfs | → |
| Kerrs Creek Near Lexington | 6 cfs | → |
| Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista | 7 cfs | → |
| Cowpasture River Near Clifton Forge | 111 cfs | → |
| James River At Lick Run | 647 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Turner Pond Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Turner Pond Dam
Where does the data for Turner Pond Dam 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.