Dardens Dam

Mill Swamp - VAHU6 CU47 Mill Swamp - Darden Pond· Southampton, Virginia· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Dardens Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 2.2% in VA)
Dam Length1,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage800 acre-ft
Normal Storage600 acre-ft
Surface Area72 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
NID IDVA175003

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: No
Last Inspection: February 14, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Newsoms Mill Pond, Inc.;Newsoms Mill Pond, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Princes Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 12 ft

Mcgraphs Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 10 ft

Cypress Cove Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 9 ft

Windbourne Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 10 ft

Camp Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 13 ft

Colgate Darden Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 12 ft

Cedar View/Cobb Branch Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 17 ft

Bishop Dam

Southampton, VA

Unknown 7 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Dardens Dam?

Dardens 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 Dardens Dam?

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

What is the primary purpose of Dardens Dam?

Dardens Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Dardens Dam?

Dardens Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Dardens Dam last inspected?

Dardens Dam was last inspected on February 14, 2020. 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.