Swiss Dixie Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swiss Dixie Dam, located in Blackstone, Virginia, is a private earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at 23 feet tall and spanning 500 feet in length, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 363 acre-feet and a surface area of 20.1 acres. It is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are all in place.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 21 feet, and it has been assessed with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in March 2014. While the risk assessment is moderate, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans, although no revised plan has been reported since January 2008. The surrounding Beaver Pond Creek adds to the picturesque landscape, making Swiss Dixie Dam a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and climate enthusiasts alike to enjoy water-based activities and appreciate the importance of effective dam management in ensuring safety and environmental preservation.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

UT of Beaver Pond Creek approximately 500 ft. upstream of confluence with Beaver Pond Creek; VAHU6 J

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.1

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

363

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.