Great Creek Dam # 6a

Great Creek - VAHU6 CM16 Great Creek· Brunswick, Virginia· Built 1989· Earth· 67 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Great Creek Dam # 6a is classified as high hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 67 ft (taller than 96.7% in VA)
Dam Length1,530 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage29.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.3K acre-ft
Surface Area238 acres
Drainage Area41 sq mi
Max Discharge35,266 cfs
Year Completed1989 (37 years old)
NID IDVA025007

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: January 11, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

County of Brunswick

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Great Creek Dam # 6a?

Great Creek Dam # 6a 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 Great Creek Dam # 6a?

Great Creek Dam # 6a is owned by County of Brunswick (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Great Creek Dam # 6a built?

Great Creek Dam # 6a was completed in 1989, making it 37 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Great Creek Dam # 6a?

Great Creek Dam # 6a serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Great Creek Dam # 6a?

Great Creek Dam # 6a has a dam height of 67 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 Great Creek Dam # 6a last inspected?

Great Creek Dam # 6a was last inspected on January 11, 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.