Bowies Pond
Key Takeaway
Bowies Pond is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. 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 | 14 ft (taller than 9.7% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 449 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 161 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,566 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1969 |
| NID ID | VA033005 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Fort Walker
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Reynolds Run
Caroline, VA
Significant Hazard 10 ftLonesome Gulch Dam
Caroline, VA
Unknown 12 ftPaige Road Dam
Caroline, VA
Unknown 35 ftBuzzard Roost Pond
Caroline, VA
Significant Hazard 13 ftBroaddus Dam
Caroline, VA
Unknown 30 ftBeaver Pond
Caroline, VA
Low Hazard 14 ftBridle Lake Dam
Caroline, VA
Unknown 25 ftDaltons Dam
Caroline, VA
Unknown 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bowies Pond?
Bowies Pond 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 Bowies Pond?
Bowies Pond is owned by Fort Walker (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bowies Pond built?
Bowies Pond was completed in 1940, making it 86 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bowies Pond?
Bowies Pond serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bowies Pond?
Bowies Pond has a dam height of 14 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 Bowies Pond last inspected?
Bowies Pond was last inspected on July 24, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.