Nottoway Falls Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nottoway Falls Dam, also known as "The Falls," is a concrete structure located in Victoria, Virginia, owned by the local government.


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Summary

This dam serves a primary purpose of water supply and also supports recreational activities in the area. Standing at a height of 15 feet with a length of 187 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 180 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 27.8 acres and draining a watershed area of 59.2 square miles.

Managed and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Nottoway Falls Dam has been assessed to have a significant hazard potential but is currently in fair condition based on the latest inspection in September 2020. The dam lacks certain safety features such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, which are crucial for risk assessment and management in case of emergencies. With a designated inspection frequency of once a year, the dam plays a critical role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Located on the Nottoway River mainstem, Nottoway Falls Dam is a key infrastructure for ensuring a stable water supply while also providing opportunities for recreation. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it becomes increasingly important to monitor and maintain dams like Nottoway Falls to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and sustainability of water management systems in the area.

Dam Length

187

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

Nottoway River mainstem - VAHU6 CU04 Nottoway River - Falls Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

27.8

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

59.2

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.