Carter's Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Carter's Pond Dam, also known as Dragom Or Walden, Johnson, Nash & Smith Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Hanover, Virginia.


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Summary

This earth-type dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and recreation, with a primary focus on providing recreational opportunities for the surrounding community. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition, indicating that it is being well-maintained and monitored.

The dam has a height of 21 feet and a length of 125 feet, creating a storage capacity of 136.2 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 51.6 acre-feet. It is situated on a tributary to Kersey Creek and falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. Regular inspections are conducted, with the most recent assessment in December 2020 showing a satisfactory condition. Despite its relatively small size, Carter's Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and enhancing recreational opportunities in the area.

As a key feature in the local landscape, Carter's Pond Dam provides both tangible benefits such as flood protection and intangible benefits like recreational enjoyment. Its location in Hanover, Virginia, makes it a valuable asset for the community, with the potential to support a variety of water-related activities. With proper maintenance and oversight, this dam continues to serve as a vital resource for water management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

trib. to Kersey Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.61

Nid Storage

136.2

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.