Chisholm Dam Upper Farm Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chisholm Dam Upper Farm, also known as Blandy Mar Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Albemarle, Virginia.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 36.8 feet and spans 250 feet in length, with a primary purpose of water supply for irrigation, recreation, and general water needs. With a storage capacity of 352 acre-feet and a normal storage of 241 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in the region's water management and conservation efforts.

Situated on TR-BEAVERDAM CREEK, the Chisholm Dam Upper Farm is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. The dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. While the last inspection took place in December 2016, the dam meets state regulatory standards and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. As a key component of the water supply infrastructure in the area, this dam serves as a vital resource for the community and contributes to sustainable water management practices.

Overall, Chisholm Dam Upper Farm is a significant water resource structure in Virginia, providing essential water supply for various purposes while maintaining a low hazard potential and meeting state regulatory standards. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, dams like Chisholm play a crucial role in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. With its strategic location and capacity, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water management practices in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

36.8

River Or Stream

TR-BEAVERDAM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

36.8

Drainage Area

0.93

Nid Storage

352

Structural Height

36.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
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.