Swan Lake Dam

TRIB - IVY CREEK· Bedford, Virginia· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Swan Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 74.1% in VA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage425 acre-ft
Normal Storage261 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
NID IDVA019025

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 6, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Forest Lakes Property Owners Association (FLPOA)

Private

Nearby Dams

Lake Vista Dam #1

Bedford, VA

Significant Hazard 30 ft

Davis Lake Dam

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Unknown 32 ft

Costran Art #2

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Fessler Dam

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Unknown 27 ft

Ivy Wolf Farm Dam

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Lake Summit Dam

Lynchburg, VA

High Hazard 28 ft

Poplar Forest Dam

Bedford, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Ivy Hill Dam

Bedford, VA

High Hazard 68 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Swan Lake Dam?

Swan Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Swan Lake Dam?

Swan Lake Dam is owned by Forest Lakes Property Owners Association (FLPOA) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Swan Lake Dam?

Swan Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Swan Lake Dam?

Swan Lake Dam has a dam height of 32 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Swan Lake Dam last inspected?

Swan Lake Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.