Cherrydale Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cherrydale Dam, located in Hanover, Virginia, along Beaverdam Creek, is a privately-owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 14 feet and stretching 400 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, Cherrydale Dam plays a crucial role in the local community, offering a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

With the state of Virginia regulating and inspecting the dam regularly, Cherrydale Dam has been deemed to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in July 2021. While its hazard potential is currently labeled as undetermined, the dam continues to serve as a safe and enjoyable recreational spot for residents and visitors alike. As climate change increasingly impacts water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like Cherrydale Dam will be vital in ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the natural environment.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the impact of climate change on dams and water infrastructure, Cherrydale Dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible ownership and maintenance. With its serene location and recreational offerings, this privately-owned dam on Beaverdam Creek provides not only a picturesque landscape for outdoor activities but also a reminder of the delicate balance between water conservation and recreational enjoyment in the face of a changing climate.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Beaverdam Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

14
       
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.