Oakes Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ragland Dam Edmunds Dam #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Oakes Dam, located in Halifax, Virginia, on TR-Ballous Creek, serves primarily for irrigation purposes with additional recreational benefits.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet, with a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area. While the dam's hazard potential is currently undetermined, it is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, Oakes Dam undergoes regular inspections to guarantee its structural integrity. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks or incidents. With a latitude of 36.7015 and longitude of -79.0203, Oakes Dam is a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the region, contributing to the sustainable management of water for irrigation and recreational activities along TR-Ballous Creek.
As an important water management structure in Virginia, Oakes Dam plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities and providing recreational opportunities for the local community. With its connection to the Wilmington District and oversight by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam ensures the efficient utilization of water resources while adhering to state regulations. Oakes Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating the impact of climate change on water availability in the region.
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BALLOUS CREEK |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dan River At Paces
|
1080cfs |
Dan River At South Boston
|
1100cfs |
Banister River At Halifax
|
177cfs |
Hyco River Near Denniston
|
143cfs |
Hyco R Bl Abay D Nr Mcgehees Mill
|
1cfs |
Mayo Cr Nr Bethel Hill
|
5cfs |
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.
Oakes Dam