Cherokee Dam

TR-JAMES RIVER· Richmond City, Virginia· Earth· 24 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cherokee Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. 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	24 ft (taller than 42.5% in VA)
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	93 acre-ft
Normal Storage	48 acre-ft

Drainage Area	1 sq mi
NID ID	VA760014

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: May 10, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities;Lake Cherokee Association Inc

Private

Nearby Dams

Bosher Dam

Henrico, VA

Unknown 10 ft

Westbury Lake Dam

Richmond City, VA

High Hazard 27 ft

Hobby Hill Dam

Richmond City, VA

High Hazard 25 ft

Winston Lake Dam

Richmond City, VA

High Hazard 28 ft

Westham Dam

Henrico, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Reed Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 21 ft

Spring Creek Upper Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 19 ft

University Commons Dam

Richmond City, VA

High Hazard 21 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cherokee Dam?

Cherokee Dam 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 Cherokee Dam?

Cherokee Dam is owned by City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities;Lake Cherokee Association Inc (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Cherokee Dam?

Cherokee 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 Cherokee Dam?

Cherokee Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Cherokee Dam last inspected?

Cherokee Dam was last inspected on May 10, 2022. 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.