Commerce Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Commerce Park Dam, also known as Bragan Dam or Commerce Park Lake, is a private-owned structure in Dinwiddie, Virginia, near Petersburg.


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Summary

Built by Froehling and Robertson, Inc., this earth dam serves primarily for recreation, with flood risk reduction as a secondary purpose. The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 770 feet, providing a storage capacity of 149.4 acre-feet and a surface area of 13.6 acres.

Regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Commerce Park Dam has a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 124 feet, reflecting its moderate risk level. Despite not being under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Commerce Park Dam an intriguing example of a privately-owned structure serving both recreational and flood control purposes in Virginia's water management infrastructure.

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Cattail Run - VAHU6 JA40 Appomattox River - Oldtown Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.6

Drainage Area

0.84

Nid Storage

149.4

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.