Izaak Walton Dam

Unnamed tributary to Western Branch Reservoir - VAHU6 JL47 Western Branch Reservoir· Suffolk, Virginia· Built 1962· Earth· 35 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Izaak Walton Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 80% in VA)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage63 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDVA800009

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 22, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Suffolk - Nansemond Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America

Private

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Western Branch Dam

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High Hazard 41 ft

Rountree North Dam

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Lake Prince Dam

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Rountree South Dam

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Lake Cohoon Dam

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Lake Meade Dam

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Godwin - Culpepper Dam

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Lake Kilby Water Treatment Plant Sludge Lagoon Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Izaak Walton Dam?

Izaak Walton Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Izaak Walton Dam?

Izaak Walton Dam is owned by Suffolk - Nansemond Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Izaak Walton Dam built?

Izaak Walton Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Izaak Walton Dam?

Izaak Walton Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Izaak Walton Dam?

Izaak Walton Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Izaak Walton Dam last inspected?

Izaak Walton Dam was last inspected on August 22, 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.