Carter Family Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Worley Dam #2 Worley Dam #1
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Situated in Franklin, Virginia, the Carter Family Dam, formerly known as Mink Dam, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 13.5 feet and a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, this dam provides a surface area of 5.8 acres for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and unassessed condition, the Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees the regulatory aspects of the dam, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Owned by a private entity, the Carter Family Dam offers a serene water resource in the heart of Franklin, Virginia, attracting water and climate enthusiasts seeking leisure and relaxation. The dam's location, at a latitude of 36.9348 and longitude of -79.8782, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Although the dam's construction year is unspecified, its recreational focus and state-regulated status make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
With its modest height and storage capacity, the Carter Family Dam serves as a valuable recreational asset in Franklin, Virginia. While its hazard potential and condition assessment remain undecided, the dam's commitment to state regulatory guidelines ensures the safety and enjoyment of all who visit. Whether for fishing, boating, or simply basking in the natural surroundings, this privately owned dam offers a sanctuary for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty of Virginia's landscape.
Dam Height |
13.5 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.5 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Structural Height |
13.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Blackwater River Near Rocky Mount
|
56cfs |
Smith River At Bassett
|
101cfs |
Smith River Near Philpott
|
76cfs |
Smith River At Martinsville
|
149cfs |
Pigg River Near Sandy Level
|
112cfs |
Back Creek Near Dundee
|
19cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Goose Dam
|
||
Jamison Mill Park - Philpott Lake
|
||
Salthouse Branch - Philpott Lake
|
Carter Family Dam