Carter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Carter Dam, located in Prince Edward, Virginia, is a vital water resource managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 21 feet tall and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock maintenance, and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet, Carter Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for various needs in the region.

Despite its importance, the condition assessment of Carter Dam is currently marked as "Not Rated," with the hazard potential listed as "Undetermined." The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unlisted. With regular inspections and a prepared emergency action plan, Carter Dam can continue to serve its purposes effectively while mitigating potential risks and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Carter Dam can appreciate its significance in providing essential water storage for fire protection and recreational purposes. As a state-regulated structure with inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place, Carter Dam stands as a reliable asset in the management of water resources in Virginia. Further monitoring and risk assessment can help enhance the dam's safety and efficiency, making it a valuable asset for the community and the environment.

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-CABIN BRANCH CREEK

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

67

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

21
       
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.