Hale Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hale Lake, also known as Comers Rock Dam, is a federal-owned water resource located in Grayson, Virginia.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA Forest Service, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high and stretches 188 feet in length. The primary purpose of Hale Lake is for recreation, specifically for fish and wildlife pond activities.

With a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, Hale Lake provides essential water resources for the surrounding area. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 26 feet, ensuring proper water flow management. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, indicating a need for further assessment to ensure its safety and functionality for the future.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the unique features of Hale Lake, including its association with the Wolf Pen Branch, a nearby river/stream. With the potential for very high risk due to its location and characteristics, Hale Lake serves as an important reminder of the essential role of proper dam maintenance and risk management in preserving our valuable water resources for generations to come.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

188

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

WOLF PEN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.