Lake Meade Dam

Nansemond River - VAHU6 JL48 Nansemond River - Cedar Lake· Suffolk, Virginia· Gravity· 25 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Meade Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. 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	25 ft (taller than 46.7% in VA)
Dam Length	678 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	9.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage	6.4K acre-ft

Surface Area	590 acres
Drainage Area	64 sq mi
NID ID	VA800013

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 19, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Portsmouth, Department of Public Utilities

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Meade Dam?

Lake Meade 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 Meade Dam?

Lake Meade Dam is owned by City of Portsmouth, Department of Public Utilities (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Meade Dam?

Lake Meade Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Meade Dam?

Lake Meade Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Meade Dam last inspected?

Lake Meade Dam was last inspected on July 19, 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.