Located in Wythe County, Virginia, the Rural Retreat Dam, also known as Wythe County Lake, is a state-owned structure managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam sits on the South Fork Reed Creek and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a height of 44.3 feet and a storage capacity of 2440 acre-feet, the dam offers a surface area of 79.5 acres for outdoor activities.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of 2014, the dam poses a high hazard potential, requiring regular inspections and enforcement by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. With a drainage area of 3.34 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Its proximity to the Wilmington District further underscores its significance in the local ecosystem.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Virginia can appreciate the Rural Retreat Dam for its contribution to recreational opportunities and its role in regulating water flow in the area. The dam's history, design, and current condition make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of human infrastructure with natural landscapes and ecosystems in the region.
Dam Length |
595 |
Dam Height |
44.3 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK REED CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
79.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
44.3 |
Drainage Area |
3.34 |
Nid Storage |
2440 |
Structural Height |
44.3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
44 |
New River At Ivanhoe
|
1170cfs |
M F Holston River At Seven Mile Ford
|
54cfs |
S F Holston River At Riverside Nr Chilhowie
|
30cfs |
Reed Creek At Grahams Forge
|
64cfs |
New River Near Galax
|
861cfs |
Chestnut Creek At Galax
|
33cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Rural Retreat Lake
|
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Blue Springs Gap Cabin
|
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Comers Rock Recreation Area
|
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Comers Rock
|
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Comers Rock Campground
|
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Stony Fork Campground
|