Bethany Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little River Dam #4 Chisholm Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Bethany Dam, located in Louisa, Virginia, is a crucial water resource managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet, offering a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet for the tributary Hawkins Creek. While the primary purpose of the dam is recreation, its state-regulated status ensures that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to guarantee safety and efficiency in its operations.
Despite its undetermined hazard potential and unrated condition assessment, Bethany Dam remains a valuable asset for water management in Virginia. The dam's design and construction fall under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore District, reflecting a commitment to ensuring its structural integrity and functionality. With a length of 500 feet and a hydraulic height matching its structural height, the dam serves as a essential feature in the local landscape, offering recreational opportunities while fulfilling its water storage and management role.
Managed by state regulatory agencies and owned by unspecified entities, Bethany Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the face of climate change. While its exact construction date and modification history remain unclear, the dam's presence underscores the need for ongoing risk assessment and management measures to protect surrounding communities and ecosystems. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about infrastructure such as Bethany Dam is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between human activity, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
trib. Hawkins Creek |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Bethany Dam