Brookneal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Shalom Dam Bates Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Brookneal Dam, also known as Phelps Creek Dam, is a vital water resource structure located in Brookneal, Virginia.
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Summary
Owned by a public utility, this dam serves the primary purpose of water supply for the surrounding area. Completed in 1963, the earth dam stands at a height of 51.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 689 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 350 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary to Falling River, contributing to the water supply for the region.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Brookneal Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is considered significant, although its condition assessment is currently not rated. With a spillway type and width unspecified, the dam's last inspection took place in March 2017, indicating a regular inspection frequency of once per year. Despite the lack of detailed risk assessment and management measures, Brookneal Dam remains a crucial infrastructure for water supply in Campbell County, Virginia.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams will find Brookneal Dam an intriguing case study. With its historic construction, significant hazard potential, and state-regulated oversight, this earth dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water supply for the local community. As a public utility-owned structure, Brookneal Dam reflects the intersection of water resource management, infrastructure engineering, and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions. Its location on a tributary to Falling River underscores the interconnectedness of water systems and the importance of sustainable water resource practices for the future.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
51.8 |
River Or Stream |
Unnamed tributary to Falling River - VAHU6 RU71 Falling River - Hat Creek - Phelps Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
51.8 |
Drainage Area |
3.94 |
Nid Storage |
689 |
Structural Height |
51.8 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
52 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Roanoke (Staunton) River At Brookneal
|
906cfs |
Falling River Near Naruna
|
59cfs |
Cub Creek At Phenix
|
44cfs |
Roanoke (Staunton) River At Randolph
|
1080cfs |
Roanoke River At Altavista
|
618cfs |
Banister River At Halifax
|
177cfs |
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.
Brookneal Dam