Lake Vista Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Vista Dam #1, located in Bedford, Virginia, is a privately-owned earth dam standing at a height of 30 feet with a length of 260 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 370 acre-feet and a surface area of 27 acres. Situated on the tributary of Ivy Creek, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of November 2020 was deemed satisfactory.

With a drainage area of 2.83 square miles, Lake Vista Dam #1 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet contributes to flood control and water supply management, benefitting the surrounding environment and community. Furthermore, the dam's location in the Wilmington District underscores its importance in the local ecosystem and highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, Lake Vista Dam #1 serves as a vital asset in mitigating risks and adapting to changing conditions. Its role in providing recreational opportunities while safeguarding against potential hazards underscores the complex interplay between water management, climate resilience, and community well-being. Through effective regulation, inspection, and maintenance, Lake Vista Dam #1 stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance human needs with environmental sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TRIB - IVY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2.83

Nid Storage

370

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.