Isom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Isom Dam, located in Carroll, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a high hazard potential, this dam has not been rated for its condition, making it a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Despite not being regulated or inspected by the state, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unknown, raising questions about its safety and management.

The lack of detailed information on Isom Dam's structure and function adds an air of mystery to this recreational water resource. Situated in a scenic area with no associated structures or specific data on its dimensions, the dam's exact purpose and capacity remain undisclosed. With its hazard potential deemed high and no recent assessment of its condition, the dam presents an intriguing case study for those interested in the intersection of water management, climate change, and public safety.

As Isom Dam stands unassessed and unregulated, it represents a potential risk to the surrounding area and raises concerns about emergency preparedness and risk management. Without a clear picture of its structural integrity, storage capacity, or spillway type, the dam's status as a privately owned, unregulated recreational feature highlights the need for increased monitoring and evaluation in order to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

High
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.