Burnshire Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burnshire is a private hydroelectric dam located in Shenandoah, Virginia, along the North Fork Shenandoah river.


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Summary

Built in 1904, this gravity dam stands at 14 feet high and spans 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. Owned and operated by a private entity, Burnshire is not regulated by the state but falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permitting, inspections, and enforcement. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Despite its age, Burnshire remains in good condition with a three-year inspection frequency, last assessed in June 2018. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 280 feet, designed to handle the maximum discharge from the 675-square-mile drainage area. The primary purpose of Burnshire is to generate hydroelectric power, utilizing a multi-arch core type structure built on a rock foundation. With its historical significance and continued operation, Burnshire serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable energy production and dam infrastructure management.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

North Fork Shenandoah

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

675

Nid Storage

66

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

14
       
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.