Beaverdam Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Beaverdam Creek Dam, located in Bedford, Virginia, is a vital water resource infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Designed by Stantec, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 68 feet and spans 450 feet, serving primarily as a water supply source with a storage capacity of 2010 acre-feet. Despite its essential purpose, the dam's current condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high hazard potential, emphasizing the critical need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, situated on Beaverdam Creek, has a drainage area of 1.4 square miles and covers a surface area of 70.1 acres. It has a normal storage capacity of 1363 acre-feet, indicating its significance in water management for the surrounding region. With the last inspection conducted in November 2020, the dam's deteriorating condition underscores the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the community against any unforeseen emergencies. As a key component of the local water supply infrastructure, Beaverdam Creek Dam plays a crucial role in meeting the region's water needs, highlighting the necessity of proactive maintenance and risk management strategies.

Given its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Beaverdam Creek Dam represents a critical focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts concerned with the sustainability and resilience of infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. As the primary purpose of the dam is water supply, its operational effectiveness is paramount for ensuring a reliable and safe water source for the community. With continued regulatory oversight and potential maintenance efforts, Beaverdam Creek Dam can continue to fulfill its essential role in water management while addressing the challenges posed by its current condition assessment and hazard potential.

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

BEAVERDAM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

70.1

Hydraulic Height

68

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

2010

Structural Height

68

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

68
       
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.