Brasfield (appomattox)
Brasfield (appomattox) is a gravity dam located in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, built in 1968. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Brasfield (appomattox)
The primary purpose of Brasfield (appomattox) 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 Appomattox River Associates, Lp (private). It impounds the Appomattox near Petersburg.
The dam stands 73 feet tall and stretches 1,250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,053 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 35,354 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,335 square miles. Completed in 1968, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/01/2022.
At 73 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 | Dinwiddie |
| Nearest City | Petersburg |
| River/Stream | Appomattox |
| Coordinates | 37.22028, -77.52538 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 73 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 35,354 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 35,354 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35,354 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,053 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,335 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Appomattox River Associates, LP |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 02/01/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA041001 |
| Federal ID | VA041001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |