Lake Matoaka Dam

COLLEGE CREEK· Williamsburg, Virginia· Earth· 24 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Matoaka 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	24 ft (taller than 42.5% in VA)
Dam Length	400 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	587 acre-ft
Normal Storage	167 acre-ft

Surface Area	60 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
NID ID	VA830001

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 21, 2016

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

College of William and Mary

State Government

Nearby Dams

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Kingspoint Dam

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Ajacan Lake Bmp Dam

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Lake Powell Dam

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Tutters Neck Pond Dam

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Rennicks Pond Dam

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Waller Mill Dam

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Kingsmill Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Matoaka Dam?

Lake Matoaka 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 Lake Matoaka Dam?

Lake Matoaka Dam is owned by College of William and Mary (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Matoaka Dam?

Lake Matoaka 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 Lake Matoaka Dam?

Lake Matoaka Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Lake Matoaka Dam last inspected?

Lake Matoaka Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2016. 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.