Sunken Meadow Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sunken Meadow Dam, located in Claremont, Virginia, is a crucial water resource structure managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stretches 930 feet in length and stands at a height of 9.1 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1,056 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is to provide recreational opportunities and irrigation for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 338 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Sunken Meadow Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet, and is associated with the James River - Sunken Meadow Creek watershed. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sunken Meadow Dam serves as a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to balance the needs of recreation and irrigation within the local ecosystem. Its location in Surry County, Virginia, along the James River watershed, highlights the importance of responsible water management in mitigating risks and maximizing benefits for both human and environmental well-being. With its moderate risk assessment and state-regulated status, Sunken Meadow Dam underscores the ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining sustainable water resource infrastructure in a changing climate.

Dam Length

930

Dam Height

9.1

River Or Stream

James River - Sunken Meadow Creek VAHU6 JL15

Surface Area

147

Drainage Area

7.82

Nid Storage

1056

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.