Beaver Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaver Creek Dam, located in Bristol, Virginia, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 85 feet and has a hydraulic height of 79 feet. With a storage capacity of 6920 acre-feet and a drainage area of 13.7 square miles, Beaver Creek Dam plays a critical role in regulating water flow and reducing flood risks in the region.

The dam, constructed by TVA, is associated with the Beaver Creek river and spans a length of 1588 feet. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 19,300 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with regular inspections and maintenance carried out by TVA. In 2015, both hydraulic and structural modifications were made to enhance the dam's safety and efficiency, ensuring its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and water resource management.

With its strategic location and critical role in flood control, Beaver Creek Dam is a vital component of the water infrastructure in Bristol, Virginia. Managed and regulated by TVA, this earth dam provides essential protection to the surrounding areas, safeguarding against potential flooding events. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of structures like Beaver Creek Dam in mitigating risks and ensuring water security becomes increasingly evident, making it a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study.

Years Modified

2015 - Hydraulic, 2015 - Structural

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1588

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

170

Hydraulic Height

79

Drainage Area

13.7

Nid Storage

6920

Structural Height

85

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

85
       
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.