Holliday Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Holliday Lake Dam, located in Buckingham, Virginia, is a gravity dam on Holiday Creek with a structural height of 48 feet and a length of 177 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 111 acres and a storage capacity of 1375 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it is regularly inspected and maintained to satisfactory conditions.

Despite its satisfactory condition, Holliday Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential, requiring a thorough risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in June 2020, with an inspection frequency of once per year. While the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans, there is room for improvement in terms of risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the importance of Holliday Lake Dam in providing recreational opportunities while also acknowledging the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to address potential hazards. With its location in the Wilmington District and its association with Holiday Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Virginia. Further attention to risk assessment and emergency preparedness will be essential in ensuring the long-term safety and effectiveness of Holliday Lake Dam.

Dam Length

177

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

HOLIDAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

111

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

19.5

Nid Storage

1375

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

48
       
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.