Spindles Mill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Taliaferro Mill Dam Timberlake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Spindles Mill Dam, located in Essex, Virginia, is a state-regulated structure on the Blackwater Swamp river.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, this dam is classified as an earth dam with a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and lack of condition assessment rating, the dam is regularly inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Owned by a non-listed entity, Spindles Mill Dam stands as a significant recreational resource in the area, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based leisure. The dam's location in a picturesque natural setting adds to its charm, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate the importance of maintaining sustainable water infrastructure. With a focus on state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, the dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and contributes to the overall environmental health of the region.
While the specifics of the dam's construction and modification history remain undisclosed, the presence of emergency action plans and risk management measures underscores the commitment to ensuring public safety in case of unforeseen events. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining dams like Spindles Mill Dam becomes increasingly evident, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and regulatory oversight to protect both the environment and the surrounding community.
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
BLACKWATER SWAMP |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
177 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Spindles Mill Dam