Built in the late 1960s by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, four flood control dams help protect Craig County residents and farmland in the Johns Creek Valley. Although they are located on private property, Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District and Craig County are co-owners of the dams and oversee their maintenance and safety inspections.
The largest of the dams, Johns Creek Dam #1, is the only one of the four dams physically situated on Johns Creek itself. Over 18 square miles drain to the lake created by this dam, which is known as McDaniel’s Lake.
The other three dams are built on tributaries of Johns Creek in the Maggie area of Craig County. Johns Creek Dam #2 is built on Little Oregon Creek, Johns Creek Dam #3 on Mudlick Creek, and Johns Creek Dam #4 on Dick’s Creek. Together, these three dams serve a drainage of an additional 14 square miles.
Mountain Castles SWCD contracts annual maintenance of the dams, which includes mowing and tree removal. While it is important that grass grows on the dams in order to limit soil erosion, trees are a liability. Over time, tree roots can compromise the structural integrity of the dam. Heavy brush not only attracts unwanted burrowing animals, it limits visibility of the dam, so potential structural issues could go unnoticed.
All four dams are inspected regularly, including a complete inspection by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation every two years.