Virginia Energy Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Virginia Energy Dam, also known as Big Branch Fresh Water Pond, is a critical water supply infrastructure located in Buchanan, Virginia.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 30 feet in height and serves the primary purpose of water supply, with a storage capacity of 16 acre-feet. Situated on Middle Elk Creek, the dam's location within the Wilmington District makes it a significant resource for the region.
Owned by an unspecified entity and not regulated by the state, Virginia Energy Dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated" with an undetermined hazard potential. With a surface area of 1.5 acres and a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability in the area. Although lacking detailed information on its construction and modification history, the dam remains an essential structure for water resource management in the region.
Despite the lack of certain regulatory oversight and assessment details, Virginia Energy Dam's role in providing water supply highlights its significance for the local community. As a key earth dam on Middle Elk Creek, its operational status and maintenance requirements are essential factors to consider for climate and water resource enthusiasts invested in understanding and safeguarding the region's water infrastructure.
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE ELK CREEK |
Surface Area |
1.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
16 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
59cfs |
Levisa Fork At Big Rock
|
149cfs |
Grapevine Creek Near Phyllis
|
5cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Virginia Energy Dam