Swift Creek Dam

SWIFT CREEK· Chesterfield, Virginia· Gravity· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Swift Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 71.8% in VA)
Dam Length163 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage7.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage675 acre-ft
Surface Area150 acres
Drainage Area95 sq mi
NID IDVA041004

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 27, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Department of Conservation & Recreation - Division of State Parks

State Government

Nearby Dams

Woodland Pond

Chesterfield, VA

High Hazard 35 ft

Beaver Lake Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Low Hazard 17 ft

First Branch Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Significant Hazard 40 ft

Club Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Cosby Dam

Chesterfield, VA

High Hazard 17 ft

Chelsea Farm Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Vescova Road Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 14 ft

Ironbridge Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Swift Creek Dam?

Swift Creek Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Swift Creek Dam?

Swift Creek Dam is owned by Department of Conservation & Recreation - Division of State Parks (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Swift Creek Dam?

Swift Creek 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 Swift Creek Dam?

Swift Creek Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Swift Creek Dam last inspected?

Swift Creek Dam was last inspected on August 27, 2020. 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.