Chinns Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chinns Dam, located in Lancaster, Virginia, along the Lancaster Creek, is a recreational dam with a height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 751 acre-feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Virginia. While the hazard potential of the dam is currently undetermined, its condition has not been rated, and it meets the guidelines for emergency action preparedness.

Despite lacking detailed information on its construction and modification history, Chinns Dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a picturesque spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate. The dam's existence plays a crucial role in providing a serene environment for outdoor activities, highlighting the importance of water resource management and the preservation of natural landscapes. With its location in a scenic part of Virginia, Chinns Dam stands as a testament to the careful balance between human recreation and environmental conservation.

As an Earth-type dam, Chinns Dam stands at the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty, showcasing the potential for sustainable recreational infrastructure. While the dam's detailed specifications and maintenance history remain unexplored, its presence along the Lancaster Creek adds to the rich tapestry of water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chinns Dam represents a harmonious blend of human development and environmental stewardship, inviting visitors to appreciate the interconnectedness of water, land, and leisure in a picturesque setting.

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

LANCASTER CREEK

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

751

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

12
       
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.