East Fork Falling River Dam # 7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

East Fork Falling River Dam # 7, also known as Gala Lake, is a significant earth dam located in Lynchburg, Virginia, owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 47 feet and stretching 585 feet in length, this dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction in the region. With a storage capacity of 1442 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flooding events in the area.

Despite its fair condition assessment, East Fork Falling River Dam # 7 poses a significant hazard potential due to its age and structural integrity. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and functionality, with the last assessment taking place in March 2020. With a drainage area of 5.1 square miles and a surface area of 20 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding environment and communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and potential flooding. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, East Fork Falling River Dam # 7 serves as a vital infrastructure asset in the region, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and management of water resources for sustainable development and resilience against climate change impacts.

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

Mulberry Creek - VAHU6 RU 66 Falling River - Mulberry Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

5.1

Nid Storage

1442

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

47
       
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.