Helco Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Helco Dam, located in Clarke, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 29 feet and a storage capacity of 53.36 acre-feet, this dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and not being rated for condition assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Owned by a private entity, Helco Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's primary purpose and specific design details are not outlined in the data, but its strategic location and capacity to store 30.2 acre-feet of water make it an essential asset for water supply and climate resilience in the area. The dam's presence contributes to the overall water management infrastructure in Virginia.

While the exact year of completion and other specific details about Helco Dam are not provided, its significance in the water resource landscape of Clarke, Virginia, cannot be understated. With a storage capacity of 53.36 acre-feet and a height of 29 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in water storage and management. As a regulated structure, it is subject to state oversight and inspection to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite its current condition assessment being "not rated," the dam remains an important piece of infrastructure for the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Dam Height

29

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

53.36

Structural Height

29

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

29
       
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.