Tusculum Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tusculum Dam, located in Amherst, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily built for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 24.5 feet and with a length of 300 feet, this dam plays a significant role in regulating the flow of Crawford Creek. With a storage capacity of 252 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 233 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 35 acres and serves a drainage area of 2.18 square miles.
Designed by Froehling & Robertson, Tusculum Dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. Despite its fair condition assessment as of January 2018, the dam poses a significant hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in January 2018 to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, it remains a crucial asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
With its picturesque location and essential role in recreation and water management, Tusculum Dam stands as a vital infrastructure in Amherst, Virginia. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like Tusculum become increasingly important to ensure the safety and well-being of local communities and the environment.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
24.5 |
River Or Stream |
CRAWFORD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Hydraulic Height |
24.5 |
Drainage Area |
2.18 |
Nid Storage |
252 |
Structural Height |
24.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Tusculum Dam