Umbarger No 1 dam
Umbarger No 1
Umbarger No 1 is a federal-owned earth dam located in Smyth, Virginia, with a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1955 by the USDA FS, this dam stands at a height of 60 feet and has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet. The dam is primarily used for fish and wildlife pond purposes, as well as recreational activities.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Umbarger No 1 has not been inspected since July 2011. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, the dam remains in a not rated condition assessment. The surrounding area of the dam is deemed to be at moderate risk, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this water resource for both recreation and environmental purposes.
As a key structure in the Nashville District, Umbarger No 1 provides essential water management for sheet flow and recreational activities in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike can appreciate the role of dams like Umbarger No 1 in supporting both ecosystems and human activities in a changing world.
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 Umbarger No 1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| M F Holston River At Seven Mile Ford | 120 cfs | → |
| S F Holston River At Riverside Nr Chilhowie | 50 cfs | → |
| N F Holston River Near Saltville | 146 cfs | → |
| New River Near Galax | 459 cfs | → |
| New River At Ivanhoe | 875 cfs | → |
| M F Holston River Near Meadowview | 140 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Umbarger No 1.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Umbarger No 1
Where does the data for Umbarger No 1 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 Low 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.