Lake Nice Dam

trib. to France Swamp creek· James City, Virginia· Earth· 35 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Nice Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 80% in VA)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage446 acre-ft
Normal Storage301 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDVA095027

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

American Eastern, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Mirror Lakes Dam No. 1 (West)

James City, VA

Significant Hazard 27 ft

Mirror Lakes Dam No. 2

James City, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Wenger Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 19 ft

Taylor Pit Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Kiskiack South Dam

James City, VA

Low Hazard 25 ft

Toano Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Deer Lake Dam

James City, VA

Low Hazard 35 ft

Richardson Millpond Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Nice Dam?

Lake Nice Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Nice Dam?

Lake Nice Dam is owned by American Eastern, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Nice Dam?

Lake Nice 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 Nice Dam?

Lake Nice 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 Lake Nice Dam last inspected?

Lake Nice Dam was last inspected on August 11, 2017. 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.