Townes Dam and Talbott Dam on the upper reaches of the Dan (a.k.a. Pinnacles of the Dan) River in Patrick County VA have severly impacted the Dan River for decades. These dams control flow on three stretches of river that range from Class II-V and if the river reaches were restored would provide a significant new paddling resource for the southside VA and central NC communities. With different sections for every class paddler all close together, it really is a place that could become a paddling destination.
The Pinnacles of the Dan (V), and the Sawtooth Gorge (III) are both severly impacted by strainers. The Pinnacles are dewatered and therefore brush and live trees have apparently grown up and clogged the river. Similarly, high flows are too seldom present to move fallen wood through the system. This is a common ecological impact in many bypassed river reaches. Restored flows and in-channel vegetation removal have restored rivers with similar impacts like the Cheoah River in north Carolina.
Unfortunately, the dams are not up for relicensing until 2031 (so the process will start in 2025). Sadly, it is therefore unlikely that the river will be restored or that paddling these severly impacted reaches will be paddling possible for many years.
The pinnacles of the dan, like the Pigeon Dries, New River Dries, Hiawasee Dries, is one of the last remaining dewatered rivers in the region.