South River Dam #25 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South River Dam #25, also known as Toms Branch, is a vital structure located in Augusta, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along the Toms Branch Back Creek.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 62 feet with a length of 1110 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1281 acre-feet. With a hazard potential rated as high, the dam's condition assessment as of March 2021 is satisfactory, ensuring its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

The dam, situated within the Norfolk District of Virginia, plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. With a normal storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.5 square miles, South River Dam #25 serves as a key infrastructure for safeguarding the community against potential inundation. Regular inspections, the last conducted in March 2021, help ensure the dam's structural integrity and operational readiness, further enhancing its ability to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction.

South River Dam #25's strategic location and design highlight its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Augusta, Virginia. As a critical piece of infrastructure with a high hazard potential, the dam's satisfactory condition assessment and regulatory oversight underscore its role in maintaining the safety and security of the surrounding area. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance of this essential structure will be essential to preserving its effectiveness in safeguarding against potential flood events and ensuring the well-being of the community it serves.

Dam Length

1110

Dam Height

62

River Or Stream

TOMS BRANCH BACK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

1281

Structural Height

62

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

62
       
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.