Johnson Dam dam
Johnson Dam
Johnson Dam, located in Southampton, Virginia, on the TR-Black Creek, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes. The dam, with a height of 13 feet and a length of 730 feet, provides a storage capacity of 463.6 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it is inspected, permitted, and enforced to meet safety standards. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and unrated condition assessment, Johnson Dam remains a crucial element in the water resource management of the region.
Situated within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Johnson Dam offers a tranquil retreat for water and climate enthusiasts. Although the dam's specific year of completion is unknown, its presence has significantly contributed to the local ecosystem by providing a valuable water storage resource. The dam's location, surrounded by the natural beauty of Southampton County, makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. With its regulated status and state jurisdiction, Johnson Dam stands as a testament to the careful balance between water conservation and recreational enjoyment.
For those interested in the intersection of water resource management and climate impact, Johnson Dam represents a fascinating case study. Despite its modest size and recreational focus, the dam plays a vital role in flood control, water storage, and ecosystem support in the region. By understanding the regulatory framework and maintenance practices in place for Johnson Dam, enthusiasts can gain insight into the complexities of managing water resources while promoting sustainable recreation. As climate change continues to influence water availability and quality, structures like Johnson Dam will become increasingly important in ensuring the resilience of local communities and ecosystems.
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 Johnson Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blackwater River Near Franklin | 17 cfs | → |
| Nottoway River Near Sebrell | 133 cfs | → |
| Blackwater River Near Dendron | 4 cfs | → |
| Nottoway River Near Stony Creek | 64 cfs | → |
| Potecasi Creek Near Union | 4 cfs | → |
| Meherrin River At Emporia | 100 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Johnson Dam.
Track Johnson Dam 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 Johnson Dam
Where does the data for Johnson 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 Undetermined 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 Johnson Dam.