Brasfield (Appomattox) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brasfield (Appomattox), also known as Lake Chesdin, is a private water resource located in Dinwiddie, Virginia, just 8 miles from Petersburg.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1968, stands at a height of 55 feet and serves primarily for water supply purposes, with a storage capacity of 35,354 acre-feet and a surface area of 3,053 acres. The dam is a gravity type structure with a multi-arch core, built on a rock foundation, and has a spillway width of 850 feet.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Brasfield (Appomattox) has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its significant storage capacity and strategic location, the dam has not undergone a recent condition assessment and lacks an emergency action plan. While the dam's inspection frequency is one year, the last inspection was conducted in September 2020, raising concerns about its current condition and readiness in the event of an emergency. As a key water resource in the region, ensuring the safety and maintenance of Brasfield (Appomattox) is crucial for both water supply and environmental conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

Appomattox

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

3053

Hydraulic Height

54

Drainage Area

1335

Nid Storage

35354

Structural Height

73

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

73
       
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.