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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Beaver Creek At Bristol
|
24cfs |
S F Holston River Near Damascus
|
206cfs |
M F Holston River Near Meadowview
|
92cfs |
Watauga River At Elizabethton
|
423cfs |
Clinch River At Cleveland
|
386cfs |
Doe River At Elizabethton
|
293cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sugar Hollow City Park
|
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Jacobs Creek Rec Area
|
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Jacobs Creek Campground
|
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Jacobs Creek Recreation Area
|
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Little Oak
|
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Little Oak Campground
|