Epperson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Epperson Dam, also known as Fish Pond, is a private-owned structure located in Brunswick, Virginia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Situated on the Gum Branch of Roses Creek, the primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 1 acre and a maximum storage capacity of 67 acre-feet.

Constructed as an earth dam with a height of 22 feet, Epperson Dam poses an undetermined hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition. Despite the lack of recent assessments, the dam meets state guidelines for emergency action plans, although specific details such as inspection dates and risk management measures are not available. The dam's location within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underlines its significance in the local water resource management context.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Epperson Dam represents an intriguing case study of a privately-owned structure with potential implications for recreational activities and water storage in the region. With its regulatory oversight by the state agency and the absence of detailed assessments on its condition and risk management, there is a need for further investigation and monitoring to ensure the safe and sustainable operation of the dam. As part of the broader network of dams in Virginia, Epperson Dam highlights the importance of maintaining infrastructure resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

GUM BR. OF ROSES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

22
       
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.