Clover Forest Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Clover Forest Dam, also known as Volcker Dam, is a state-regulated structure located in Goochland, Virginia, along a tributary of the James River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 800 feet in length. It offers a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet, making it an important site for fish and wildlife pond management in addition to providing recreational opportunities for visitors.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Clover Forest Dam has an undetermined hazard potential and is currently not rated in terms of its condition assessment. While the dam's inspection frequency is set at once a year, other aspects such as emergency action plan preparation and risk assessment are marked as pending. Despite these uncertainties, the dam continues to serve as a vital structure for water resource management and recreational activities in the region, attracting enthusiasts of water resources and climate alike to its scenic surroundings along the James River tributary.

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

trib. James River

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

176

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

26
       
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.