Ransons Dam - Middle Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ransons Dam - Middle, located in Powhatan, Virginia, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 436 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 231 acre-feet. Situated along a tributary of Branch Creek, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Despite its crucial role in providing water for irrigation, the condition of Ransons Dam - Middle is currently marked as "Not Rated," with its hazard potential classified as "Undetermined." The last inspection date, as well as the emergency action plan status, remains unspecified in the available data. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, additional information regarding risk assessment, management measures, and contact protocols in case of emergencies is yet to be provided, leaving some aspects of its operation and safety readiness unclear.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the details of Ransons Dam - Middle offer a glimpse into the intricate network of dams and structures that support agricultural activities and water management in Virginia. The location's association with Abigail Davis Spanberger as the congressional representative further underlines the importance of infrastructure maintenance and regulatory oversight for sustainable water use and environmental protection in the region.

Dam Length

436

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

trib. Branch Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

231

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

20
       
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.