Lower Byers Dam

TR-JONES CREEK· Powhatan, Virginia· Earth· 28 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Byers Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 60.8% in VA)
Dam Length575 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage469 acre-ft
Normal Storage303 acre-ft
Surface Area33 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
NID IDVA145006

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: July 14, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Lower Byers Lake Waterfront Property Owners Association;Mill Quarter HOA

Private

Nearby Dams

Hewins Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 40 ft

Upper Byers Dam

Powhatan, VA

Low Hazard 34 ft

Byers Mill Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Spratley Leigh Dam

Powhatan, VA

Low Hazard 58 ft

Shawnee Dam #1

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 24 ft

Walkers Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 40 ft

Huguenot - St. Lukes

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 28 ft

Lake Shawnee Dam #2

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Byers Dam?

Lower Byers 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 Lower Byers Dam?

Lower Byers Dam is owned by Lower Byers Lake Waterfront Property Owners Association;Mill Quarter HOA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lower Byers Dam?

Lower Byers 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 Lower Byers Dam?

Lower Byers Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Lower Byers Dam last inspected?

Lower Byers Dam was last inspected on July 14, 2018. 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.