Flood Control Dam Locations
Headwaters SWCD maintains, inspects and makes repairs for 11 SWCD flood control dams, and 5 additional dams of partner agencies.
SOUTH RIVER
NORTH RIVER
- *Dam #76, Elkhorn Lake (City of Staunton)
- Dam #10, Todd Lake
- Dam #77, Hearthstone Lake
* Non-District owned
Flood Control Dam Rehabilitations
The rehabilitation of a flood control dam becomes necessary when the safety classification of the dam changes due to development downstream of the dam or changes to dam safety regulations.
Augusta County, the City of Waynesboro, and HSWCD partnered with the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) to rehabilitate 4 District dams with 1 more in the works.
NRCS led rehabilitation of a dam typically requires 3 years – 1 for planning; 1 for design; and 1 for construction. NRCS projects are funded by 65% federal and 35% local and state dollars. Construction costs for District dams rehabilitated so far range from about $700,000 to $3 million each.
Rehabilitation Status of District Owned Dams:
- Robinson Hollow (South River watershed) – completed in 2007
- Inch Branch (South River watershed) – completed in 2008
- Toms Branch (South River watershed) – completed in 2010
- Todd Lake (North River watershed) – completed in 2016
- Hearthstone (North River watershed) –completed May 2020
- Waynesboro Nursery (South River watershed) – currently at 60% design phase
Mid-level Gate at Inch Branch:
Headwaters contracted the services of Schnabel engineering and Zion marine for a mid-level gate installation at #26 Inch branch. Contractors performed the install underwater and successfully equipped the riser with a 10-inch gate along with a new access ladder. This gives staff and landowners the ability to lower the water level by 8 feet for maintenance and storm preparation.
Stony Creek Clearing:
Headwaters secured the services of RXFIRE to clear both upstream and downstream abutments at Stoney Creek. Contractors were tasked with removing trees, stumps and roots within the 25ft area required to be maintained by dam safety. Abutments were also reseeded and covered with biodegradable erosion control netting. RXFIRE specializes in land clearing/ prescribed burning and vegetation management along with other various maintenance items.
