Shoemaker River # 1a dam
Shoemaker River # 1a
Shoemaker River # 1a, also known as Northwoods Lake, is a critical flood risk reduction structure located in Rockingham, Virginia. This earth dam stands at a height of 52 feet and spans 700 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 544 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 1.79 square miles. The dam, managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, plays a vital role in mitigating flood hazards in the region.
With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2020, Shoemaker River # 1a is a key component of the water resource infrastructure in the area. The dam, constructed for flood risk reduction purposes, has withstood the test of time with regular inspections and maintenance ensuring its continued effectiveness. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in July 2003, highlighting the ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness in the face of potential emergencies.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find Shoemaker River # 1a to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to protect communities from the impacts of flooding. As a state-regulated and inspected dam in Virginia, it represents a crucial asset in the local landscape, serving both practical and safety functions. The structure's history, design, and ongoing management offer valuable insights into the intersection of water management, environmental protection, and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
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 Shoemaker River # 1a -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Muddy Creek At Mount Clinton | 1 cfs | → |
| N F Shenandoah River At Cootes Store | 129 cfs | → |
| Linville Creek At Broadway | 5 cfs | → |
| North River Near Burketown | 105 cfs | → |
| So Fk So Br Potomac R At Brandywine | 10 cfs | → |
| Smith Creek Near New Market | 18 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shoemaker River # 1a.
Boat launches
- Lake Shenandoah Trail Rockingham County
- Grove Hill River Road Page County
- Us 340 Business Page County
- Bixlers Ferry Rd Page County
- Kimsey Run Road Hardy County
Campgrounds
- Hone Quarry Campground
- Brandywine Recreation Area
- Brandywine Campground
- Camp Run Campground
- Camp Site
- Boone Shelter
Fishing spots
- Briery Branch Day Use Area
- Tomahawk Pond Day Use Area
- Staunton Dam Day Use Area
- Elkhorn Lake Day Use Area
- Braley Pond Day Use Area
- Bealers Ferry Boat Launch
Paddle runs
- North River Campground To Camp May Flather
- Canyon Exit To Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks Nra Boundary
- Big Bend Campground To Canyon Exit (Just Prior To Confluence With North Branch)
- Shreve Store To Big Bend Campground
- Jake Hill Road Bridge To Shreve Store
- Run North Of Judy Springs To Private Land
Track Shoemaker River # 1a in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Shoemaker River # 1a
Where does the data for Shoemaker River # 1a 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Shoemaker River # 1a.