Chandler's Mill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Westmoreland County Dam #4 Travis Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Chandler's Mill Dam, located in Westmoreland, Virginia, is a state-regulated structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 15 feet, was designed by Buchart Horn Consulting Engineers, Buchart Horn, Inc, Froehling and Robertson, Inc., and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. It holds a storage capacity of 475 acre-feet and is classified as an earth dam.
Despite its recreational benefits, Chandler's Mill Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of June 2015. The dam has not been inspected since then, and there is a lack of emergency action plans and risk assessment measures in place. The Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia is responsible for regulating, inspecting, and enforcing safety measures for this structure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chandler's Mill Dam serves as a critical reminder of the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for dams. Its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential highlight the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of valuable water resources in the area.
Dam Height |
15 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
475 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Chandler's Mill Dam