Cow Creek Dam

COW CREEK· Gloucester, Virginia· Earth· 16 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cow Creek 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 16 ft (taller than 15.4% in VA)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage937 acre-ft
Normal Storage183 acre-ft
Surface Area71 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
NID IDVA073005

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: Yes
Last Inspection: July 27, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Cow Creek Mill Pond Association;Cow Creek Mill Pond Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Beaverdam Lake Dam

Gloucester, VA

High Hazard 39 ft

Robins Dam

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Unknown 16 ft

Laneview Dam

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Burke Dam

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High Hazard 21 ft

Haynes Dam

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Unknown 15 ft

Wood Duck Pond Dam

Gloucester, VA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Woodberry Farm Dam

Gloucester, VA

Unknown 8 ft

Leigh Pond Dam

Gloucester, VA

Unknown 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cow Creek Dam?

Cow Creek 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 Cow Creek Dam?

Cow Creek Dam is owned by Cow Creek Mill Pond Association;Cow Creek Mill Pond Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Cow Creek Dam?

Cow Creek 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 Cow Creek Dam?

Cow Creek Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Cow Creek Dam last inspected?

Cow Creek Dam was last inspected on July 27, 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.