Westview Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Westview Dam, located in Goochland, Virginia, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 43.5 feet, with a hydraulic and structural height matching that measurement. The dam's storage capacity is significant, with a normal storage of 183 acre-feet and a total storage of 273 acre-feet.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Westview Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. The dam's condition assessment is rated as fair, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection took place in June 2019, with a mandated inspection frequency of 1 year. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a key feature along the TR-James River, offering recreational opportunities and contributing to the local ecosystem.

With its scenic location and vital role in water resource management, Westview Dam is a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its presence along the river, coupled with its storage capacity and state oversight, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and environmental preservation. As a significant structure in Goochland, Virginia, Westview Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural resources in the region.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

43.5

River Or Stream

TR-JAMES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.6

Hydraulic Height

43.5

Drainage Area

0.45

Nid Storage

273

Structural Height

43.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

44
       
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.