Bowman Dam

Deep Run· Spotsylvania, Virginia· Earth· 45 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bowman Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 90.8% in VA)
Dam Length370 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage709 acre-ft
Normal Storage74 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge20,512 cfs
NID IDVA177034

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

A. Smith Bowman Distillary

Private

Nearby Dams

Kennedy Dam

Stafford, VA

High Hazard 24 ft

Twin Lakes INC. Dam

Fredericksburg, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Smith Run D - Dam

Fredericksburg, VA

Unknown 15 ft

E.H. Mills Memorial Dam

Spotsylvania, VA

Low Hazard 23 ft

Central Park Poa Dam

Fredericksburg, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Leeland Lake Dam

Stafford, VA

High Hazard 25 ft

Burgess Lane Dam

Spotsylvania, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Spotsylvania County Dam #8

Spotsylvania, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bowman Dam?

Bowman Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bowman Dam?

Bowman Dam is owned by A. Smith Bowman Distillary (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Bowman Dam?

Bowman 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 Bowman Dam?

Bowman Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Bowman Dam last inspected?

Bowman Dam was last inspected on November 17, 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.