Swift Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Swift Creek Dam, also known as Swift Creek Lake, is a gravity dam located in Chesterfield, Virginia.


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Summary

Owned by the state, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes on Swift Creek. Standing at a height of 30.5 meters and with a length of 163 meters, the dam has a storage capacity of 7,564 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 675 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 150 acres.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Swift Creek Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state of Virginia. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in May 2020. Despite lacking certain details such as the year of completion or specific spillway information, the dam remains a significant structure within the region.

Swift Creek Dam provides an important recreational outlet for the community while also serving as a critical water resource within the area. With its impressive height and storage capacity, the dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and ensuring the safety of residents downstream. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Swift Creek Dam become increasingly essential in maintaining the balance of water systems and protecting communities from potential hazards.

Dam Length

163

Dam Height

30.5

River Or Stream

SWIFT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

150

Hydraulic Height

30.5

Drainage Area

95.32

Nid Storage

7564

Structural Height

30.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.