Scotts Mill Dam, also known as Lynchburg Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Lynchburg, Virginia, along the James River mainstem.
Wind
Humidity
It serves primarily as a water supply source with a storage capacity of 957 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 38,370 cubic feet per second. The dam is classified as a masonry type, specifically a buttress and multi-arch design, with a height of 11 feet and a length of 905 feet.
Despite being considered a low hazard potential structure with fair condition assessment, Scotts Mill Dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. It is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has undergone inspection as recent as March 2021, with an inspection frequency of once per year. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a potential for moderate consequences in the event of failure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Scotts Mill Dam to be an intriguing case study due to its historical significance in providing water supply and supporting recreational activities in the region. The dam's location, design characteristics, and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure management, environmental conservation, and public safety in the context of water resource management. Further research on the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans could provide valuable lessons for sustainable dam operation and maintenance practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam Length |
905 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
James River mainstem - VAHU6 JM11 James River - Opossum Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
166.4 |
Drainage Area |
3340 |
Nid Storage |
957 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
James River At Holcomb Rock
|
1010cfs |
Big Otter River Near Bedford
|
53cfs |
Big Otter River Near Evington
|
101cfs |
James River At Bent Creek
|
1290cfs |
Piney River At Piney River
|
26cfs |
Pedlar River At Forest Road Near Buena Vista
|
12cfs |