Ribeirão Vargem Grande is a watercourse in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The primary feature for paddlers is the Barragem Vargem Grande, a dam located at the Abóboras mine in the municipality of Nova Lima. This dam is a significant industrial structure, and its operational status directly impacts the water body. The dam's safety level is managed under a formal emergency action plan, with alert levels that can change based on structural assessments; recently, its emergency level was reduced from 2 to 1, indicating an increase in its assessed safety. Paddlers should be aware that this is an active industrial site, which suggests potential access restrictions, fluctuating water levels due to mining operations, and the presence of significant infrastructure. The character of paddling here is likely defined by this industrial setting rather than a natural wilderness experience. The presence of the dam and its associated safety protocols are the paramount considerations for anyone contemplating a trip on this water body.