Sterling Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sterling Lake Dam in Prince Edward, Virginia, is a state-regulated structure managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at 20 feet high, serves primarily for recreational purposes and water supply. With a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, the dam overlooks the TR-Rice Creek and is located within the Wilmington District. While the hazard potential of the dam is currently undetermined, it undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam, with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and supporting water supply in the area. Although certain details like the year of completion and condition assessment are not available, the dam's normal storage capacity of 19 acre-feet indicates its significance in maintaining water resources in the region. Despite being ungraded in terms of its condition, the structure meets state regulatory standards and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures.

Sterling Lake Dam, owned by unspecified entities, stands as a vital water management infrastructure within the community. Its location near the TR-Rice Creek enhances the surrounding landscape and provides a source of recreational enjoyment for residents. While certain details like the dam's length and spillway type remain unspecified, its role in water supply and recreation underscores its importance in the region's water resource management.

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-RICE CREEK

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

65

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.