Falling Creek Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Falling Creek Reservoir Dam, located in Chesterfield, Virginia, is a buttress type dam with a height of 34 feet and a length of 207 feet.


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Summary

This dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 92 acres and a storage capacity of 1,511 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Falling Creek River and is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2020, Falling Creek Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Despite its age and lack of recent modifications, the dam continues to provide essential services, including flood control and recreational opportunities for the surrounding community. Regular inspections and enforcement by state agencies ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for both residents and visitors.

As a key feature in the local landscape, Falling Creek Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural resources. With its significant storage capacity and recreational benefits, the dam underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Its presence not only enhances the local environment but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization with the preservation of natural ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

207

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

FALLING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

92

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

53.2

Nid Storage

1511

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

34
       
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.