East Fork Falling River Dam # 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

East Fork Falling River Dam #15, also known as Caldwell Lake, is a significant earth dam located in Virginia, specifically in Appomattox County.


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Summary

The dam is owned by the local government and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Caldwells Creek. With a height of 38 feet and a length of 760 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 907 acre-feet, with a normal storage volume of 87 acre-feet covering a surface area of 17 acres.

The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. Despite being assessed as in fair condition as of March 2020, the dam is classified with a significant hazard potential. The emergency action plan for the dam is currently being updated, with the last revision in April 2020, to ensure readiness in case of any unforeseen events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the vital role that East Fork Falling River Dam #15 plays in managing flood risks in the region and the ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality.

Dam Length

760

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

CALDWELLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

3.7

Nid Storage

907

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

38
       
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.