Connellee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Connellee Dam, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a privately owned structure on Muddy Run, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. While it serves as a recreational spot, the dam is categorized as having a significant hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as per the last inspection conducted in February 2021.

Despite being a private entity, Connellee Dam is not regulated or inspected by the state authorities in Virginia. The dam does not have a state permit, nor does it fall under state jurisdiction for regulatory purposes. With no associated structures and no recent modifications, the dam poses a potential risk due to its condition and hazard potential, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding area.

As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, the data on Connellee Dam presents an intriguing case study on the management and maintenance of private dams for recreational purposes. The dam's location, design, and current condition raise questions about the oversight and responsibility for such structures, emphasizing the need for proper risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate potential hazards. With its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Connellee Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of our water infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing environmental risks.

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Muddy Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.