Carvin Cove Dam
Carvin Cove Dam is a masonry dam located in Botetourt County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Carvin Cove Dam
The primary purpose of Carvin Cove Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Western Virginia Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Carvins Creek.
The dam stands 85 feet tall and stretches 315 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 568 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 23,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 17 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/05/2021.
At 85 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Botetourt |
| River/Stream | Carvins Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.36960, -79.95790 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Height | 85 ft |
| Dam Length | 315 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 23,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 23,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 568 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Western Virginia Water Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/05/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA023001 |
| Federal ID | VA023001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |