Brumback Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brumback Dam, located in Franklin, Virginia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 31 feet with a length of 290 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 20.9 acre-feet. The dam, managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards.

While the hazard potential of Brumback Dam is currently undetermined and its condition assessment is listed as "Not Rated," the dam is subject to regular inspections with a frequency of one inspection per year. Although the year of completion and other detailed information such as spillway type, drainage area, and maximum discharge are not provided, the dam's location within the Huntington District under the oversight of the federal government suggests a level of oversight and regulation that contributes to its overall safety and functionality. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Brumback Dam serves as an interesting case study in privately owned recreational dams and the importance of state regulatory agencies in managing and ensuring the safety of such structures.

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

31

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.9

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

31

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

31
       
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.