Barlows Pond Dam

SKIMINO CREEK· York, Virginia· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Barlows Pond 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 12 ft (taller than 6% in VA)
Dam Length860 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area52 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
NID IDVA095008

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: August 5, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Laurel Lake Waterfront Property Owners' Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Stieffen Pond Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 16 ft

Kiskiack South Dam

James City, VA

Low Hazard 25 ft

Skimino Dam

York, VA

Unknown 17 ft

Powell Dam

York, VA

Unknown 16 ft

Scotts Pond

James City, VA

Unknown 16 ft

Massie Farm Pond

James City, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Mirror Lakes Dam No. 2

James City, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Mirror Lakes Dam No. 1 (West)

James City, VA

Significant Hazard 27 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Barlows Pond Dam?

Barlows Pond 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 Barlows Pond Dam?

Barlows Pond Dam is owned by Laurel Lake Waterfront Property Owners' Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Barlows Pond Dam?

Barlows Pond 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 Barlows Pond Dam?

Barlows Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Barlows Pond Dam last inspected?

Barlows Pond Dam was last inspected on August 5, 2021. 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.