Laurel Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Laurel Lake Dam, located in Dickenson, Virginia, was completed in 1963 and stands at a height of 43 feet with a length of 290 feet.


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Summary

The primary purpose of this earth dam is for recreation, with water supply being a secondary purpose. Owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, the dam sits on Laurel Branch, serving as a crucial water resource in the area.

With a storage capacity of 231 acre-feet, Laurel Lake Dam covers a surface area of 14 acres and drains a 0.11 square mile watershed. Despite its undetermined hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2014. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in 2008, and there are no inundation maps or risk assessment data available at this time.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Laurel Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As a state-regulated structure, it plays a vital role in managing water resources and supporting recreational activities in the region. The data on the dam's specifications, condition, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the complexities of managing and maintaining critical water infrastructure in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

LAUREL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

231

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

43
       
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.