Chapman Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chapman is a privately owned gravity dam located on the North Fork Shenandoah River in Virginia, completed in 1910 for hydroelectric purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 17 feet and a length of 250 feet, Chapman has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and serves as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its safety and compliance with federal standards.

Despite not being state regulated, Chapman undergoes regular inspections every three years, with the last inspection conducted in September 2017. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in November 2020, indicating a commitment to preparedness and safety measures. While the dam does not have associated locks or spillways, it features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet. With a drainage area of 700 square miles, Chapman plays a crucial role in water resource management and hydroelectric power generation in the Shenandoah region, making it a significant structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and monitor.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

North Fork Shenandoah River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Drainage Area

700

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

17
       
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.