Dam Failure

 

According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, dams are classified with a hazard potential depending upon the downstream losses anticipated in event of failure. Hazard potential is not related to the structural integrity of a dam but strictly to the potential for adverse downstream effects if the dam were to fail.

Class I - dams which upon failure would cause probable loss of life or excessive economic loss
Class II - dams which upon failure could cause possible loss of life or appreciable economic loss
Class III - dams which upon failure would not likely lead to loss of life or significant economic loss
Class IV - dams which upon failure would not likely lead to loss of life or economic loss to others

 

Within the TJPDC there are 12 dams. Six of the twelve Dams are considered to be a high (class I) risk of hazard, one dam is a signifigant risk (classII), while the other five dams are considered a low risk (class IV) of hazard.

 

Useful links:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
FEMA's Risk Assessment Guidelines for Dams (Requires Adobe©Acrobat)