Little Creek Dam

James City, Virginia· Earth· 67 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Little Creek 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	67 ft (taller than 96.7% in VA)
Dam Length	1,900 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	32.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	24.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	996 acres
Drainage Area	5 sq mi
NID ID	VA095006

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: November 9, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Newport News - Waterworks Department;City of Newport News - Waterworks Department;City of Newport News - Waterworks Department

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Dozier Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 28 ft

Cranston Mill Pond Dam

James City, VA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Perry Dam

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Cowles Dam

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Toano Dam

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Deer Lake Dam

James City, VA

Low Hazard 35 ft

Taylor Pit Dam

James City, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Jolly Pond Dam

James City, VA

Low Hazard 10 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Little Creek Dam?

Little Creek 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 Little Creek Dam?

Little Creek Dam is owned by City of Newport News - Waterworks Department;City of Newport News - Waterworks Department;City of Newport News - Waterworks Department (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Little Creek Dam?

Little Creek 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 Little Creek Dam?

Little Creek Dam 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 Little Creek Dam last inspected?

Little Creek Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2021. 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.