Newman Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Newman Lake Dam, located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a state-owned structure designed by Timmons Group to reduce flood risk along the TR-Blacks Run river or stream.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 18 feet and stretching 400 feet in length, this earth dam has a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13 acres. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with the last inspection conducted in April 2020, revealing a satisfactory condition assessment.

With a high hazard potential, Newman Lake Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the region, protecting surrounding areas from potential inundation. The dam's primary purpose is to ensure the safety and stability of the community by managing water flow and storage effectively. Despite its age and lack of recent modifications, the dam continues to meet regulatory guidelines and is maintained to uphold its structural integrity and functionality.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Newman Lake Dam to be a significant infrastructure project that illustrates the intersection of engineering, environmental management, and public safety. As a key component in the local water management system, the dam showcases the importance of proactive maintenance and regulatory oversight in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. The data on the dam's characteristics, inspection history, and hazard potential provide valuable insights for those interested in the relationship between water resources and climate resilience.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR-Blacks Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

2.74

Nid Storage

122

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.