Butterwood Lower Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Butterwood Lower, also known as Dearing Pond, is a federal-owned water resource located in Nottoway, Virginia.
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Summary
Built in 1973 by the US Army, this Earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond, as well as recreation. With a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 179 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential, its risk assessment is moderate. Despite being last inspected in 1995 with a frequency of 4 years, the condition assessment is not available. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 52 feet, and the dam is situated within the Wilmington District of the US Army. Overall, Butterwood Lower is a fascinating water resource that offers a glimpse into the intricate management and engineering involved in maintaining such structures in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
165 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Nid Storage |
179 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nottoway River Near Rawlings
|
207cfs |
Deep Creek Near Mannboro
|
119cfs |
Stony Creek Near Dinwiddie
|
59cfs |
North Meherrin River Near Lunenburg
|
12cfs |
Meherrin River Near Lawrenceville
|
276cfs |
Appomattox River At Mattoax
|
290cfs |
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.
Butterwood Lower