Lake Monticello Settlement Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Michie Dam Fluvanna County Dam #1
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Lake Monticello Settlement Pond Dam, also known as Tufton Pond or Fishing Pond, is a privately owned earth dam located in Fluvanna, Virginia.
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Summary
This dam, primarily used for recreation, stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 480 feet, creating a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet and a surface area of 20 acres. Situated on Boston Creek and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory during its last inspection in November 2019.
Despite its high hazard potential, Lake Monticello Settlement Pond Dam has a history of meeting safety standards and regulations, with the state of Virginia overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. The dam's condition assessment in 2019 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition, with an emergency action plan (EAP) in place since May 2017. The dam's location within the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its significance in water resource management in the region, serving both recreational and regulatory purposes for the community.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts intrigued by the engineering and management of dams will find Lake Monticello Settlement Pond Dam a compelling case study. With its unique design as an earth dam, coupled with its recreational focus and potential risks, this privately owned structure showcases the delicate balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for safety and regulation. As a key feature in the Fluvanna landscape, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing demands for freshwater resources.
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
BOSTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
4.38 |
Nid Storage |
280 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Lake Monticello Settlement Pond Dam