Shoemaker River # 3b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shoemaker River # 3b, also known as Hog Pen Dam, is a vital structure owned by the local government in Rockingham, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along Hogpen Run.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 74 feet and stretches for 475 feet, providing a storage capacity of 792 acre-feet to manage the flow of water in the area. With a drainage area of 2.98 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 17,931 cubic feet per second, Shoemaker River # 3b plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, this dam is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The last assessment in March 2020 deemed its condition as satisfactory, despite being labeled with a high hazard potential. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in May 2010, and it meets all regulatory guidelines for managing potential risks associated with its operation. With a focus on flood risk reduction, Shoemaker River # 3b stands as a reliable infrastructure safeguarding the local ecosystem and residential areas from the impacts of extreme weather events and rising water levels in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shoemaker River # 3b serves as a fascinating example of how engineered structures like earth dams play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and managing water flow in environmentally sensitive areas. Its strategic location along Hogpen Run, combined with its significant storage capacity and discharge capabilities, highlights the importance of effective dam management in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of changing weather patterns and increasing flood hazards. With regular inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment, Shoemaker River # 3b stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance resilience to climate-related challenges in the area.

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

74

River Or Stream

Hogpen Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

74

Drainage Area

2.98

Nid Storage

792

Structural Height

74

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

74
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.