Nicewonder Dam

TRIB-POUND RIVER· Dickenson, Virginia· Earth· 40 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

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

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 86.6% in VA)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage133 acre-ft
Normal Storage107 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDVA051005

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: No
Last Inspection: May 15, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Mike and Gwen Yates

Private

Nearby Dams

Mullins Dam

Dickenson, VA

Low Hazard 51 ft

White Oak Creek Dam

Dickenson, VA

High Hazard 29 ft

Moss Mine #1 Dam

Dickenson, VA

Unknown 154 ft

Mcfall Fork Dam

Wise, VA

Unknown 24 ft

Elkhorn Lake Dam

Letcher, KY

High Hazard 40 ft

Indian Ridge Pond Dam

Wise, VA

Unknown 18 ft

North Fork of Pound Dam

Wise, VA

High Hazard

John W. Flannagan Dam

Dickenson, VA

High Hazard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nicewonder Dam?

Nicewonder 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 Nicewonder Dam?

Nicewonder Dam is owned by Mike and Gwen Yates (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Nicewonder Dam?

Nicewonder 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 Nicewonder Dam?

Nicewonder Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Nicewonder Dam last inspected?

Nicewonder Dam was last inspected on May 15, 2013. 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.