Bearden Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Sherman Swifts Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Bearden Dam in Louisa, Virginia, is a concrete dam located on a tributary of the North Fork Little River.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 14 feet, the dam serves a primary purpose that is classified as 'Other', with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its small size and undetermined hazard potential, Bearden Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified. The dam's proximity to residential areas underscores the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate any potential risks to surrounding communities in the event of an emergency.
With its location in the Baltimore District and under the jurisdiction of the state of Virginia, Bearden Dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water management system. Though its current risk assessment and emergency response protocols are unclear, ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight help ensure the dam's continued functionality and safety for both water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
trib. NORTH FORK LITTLE RIVER |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Bearden Dam