Dover Lake Dam

DOVER CREEK· Goochland, Virginia· Earth· 41 ft tall

High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Dover Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is irrigation. 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	41 ft (taller than 87.7% in VA)
Dam Length	530 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	4.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.9K acre-ft

Surface Area	150 acres
Drainage Area	8 sq mi
Max Discharge	12,765 cfs
NID ID	VA075003

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: February 16, 2023

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Sabot Hill Owners Association;Sabot Hill Owners Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Lower Dover Farm Dam

Goochland, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Stoney Pond Dam

Goochland, VA

Significant Hazard 26 ft

Dovershire Dam

Goochland, VA

Unknown 16 ft

Upper Dover Farm Dam

Goochland, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Goose Pointe Dam

Goochland, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Upper Logan Dam

Goochland, VA

Unknown 26 ft

Brookview Farm Dam

Goochland, VA

High Hazard 45 ft

Upper Running Cedar Dam

Goochland, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Dover Lake Dam?

Dover Lake 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 Dover Lake Dam?

Dover Lake Dam is owned by Sabot Hill Owners Association;Sabot Hill Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Dover Lake Dam?

Dover Lake 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 Dover Lake Dam?

Dover Lake Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Dover Lake Dam last inspected?

Dover Lake Dam was last inspected on February 16, 2023. 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.