Swift Creek Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Swift Creek Reservoir Dam, located in Chesterfield, Virginia, is a key infrastructure built for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and has a length of 1110 feet, offering a storage capacity of 50,590 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to provide water for the surrounding areas, with a normal storage capacity of 12,173 acre-feet and a surface area of 1660 acres.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Swift Creek Reservoir Dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition. The last inspection in December 2019 confirmed its structural integrity, with an inspection frequency of one year. While the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years, it remains a critical component of the region's water resource infrastructure, serving as a vital source for both water supply and recreational activities.

With its strategic location on the Swift Creek river, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of well-maintained infrastructure like Swift Creek Reservoir Dam becomes increasingly evident. Its role in providing water supply, along with its recreational benefits, highlights the significance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

1110

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

SWIFT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1660

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

64.32

Nid Storage

50590

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
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.