Uva Wise #1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Uva Wise #1 Dam, located in Wise, Virginia along the Yellow Creek, stands as a vital structure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam boasts a height of 26 feet and a length of 230 feet, providing a surface area of 3.25 acres and a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam remains regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the state of Virginia, Uva Wise #1 Dam serves as a crucial recreational resource while also offering water storage and flood control benefits. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," regular inspections are conducted to monitor its integrity and address any potential risks. The dam's location in a high-risk area emphasizes the importance of proactive risk management measures and emergency preparedness to safeguard the surrounding community and environment in the event of a hazard.

With its historical completion date and specific details on storage capacity, drainage area, and hazard potential, Uva Wise #1 Dam remains a key landmark in the region's water infrastructure network. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's role in providing recreational opportunities, water storage, and flood control will become increasingly significant in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the local ecosystem.

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Yellow Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.25

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

42

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.