Upper Godfrey Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Godfrey Dam, located in Loudoun, Virginia, along the North Fork Catoctin Creek, serves as a crucial water supply structure in the region.


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Summary

This privately owned dam stands at a height of 10 feet with a length of 519 feet, providing a storage capacity of 69.2 acre-feet for water resources. The dam is state-regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and water supply function.

Although the hazard potential and condition assessment of Upper Godfrey Dam are currently undetermined and not rated, its primary purpose for water supply underscores its significance in the region's water resource management. With a normal storage capacity of 14.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 10.4 acres, the dam plays a vital role in providing water for various needs while also offering recreational opportunities and environmental benefits to the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the regulation and management of dams like Upper Godfrey become increasingly important for sustainable water conservation and climate resilience efforts.

As enthusiasts in water resources and climate, understanding the infrastructure and regulatory framework of dams like Upper Godfrey Dam can shed light on the interconnectedness of water management and climate adaptation. With state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam serves as a critical asset for water supply while also highlighting the need for ongoing risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and sustainable management practices in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Dam Length

519

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

North Fork Catoctin Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.4

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

69.2

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

10
       
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.