Skiffes Creek Dam

SKIFFES CREEK· James City, Virginia· Earth· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Skiffes Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 15.4% in VA)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage790 acre-ft
Surface Area98 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
NID IDVA700003

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: August 17, 2022
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

Lee Hall Reservoir Dam

Newport News, VA

High Hazard 24 ft

Eustis Dam

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Unknown 8 ft

Brewery Road Dam

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Low Hazard 35 ft

Williamsburg Country Club Dam

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Roosevelt Pond Dam

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Significant Hazard 14 ft

Pond 11 Dam

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Low Hazard 8 ft

Pond 12 Dam

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Low Hazard 11 ft

Water Country Dam

York, VA

Low Hazard 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Skiffes Creek Dam?

Skiffes Creek 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 Skiffes Creek Dam?

Skiffes 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 Skiffes Creek Dam?

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

How tall is Skiffes Creek Dam?

Skiffes Creek Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Skiffes Creek Dam last inspected?

Skiffes Creek Dam was last inspected on August 17, 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.