Upper Byers Dam

trib. to Jones Creek· Powhatan, Virginia· Earth· 34 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

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

Physical Details

Dam Height 34 ft (taller than 78.3% in VA)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage460 acre-ft
Normal Storage240 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
NID IDVA145005

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: March 18, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Upper Lake Owners

Private

Nearby Dams

Hewins Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 40 ft

Lower Byers Dam

Powhatan, VA

Low Hazard 28 ft

Byers Mill Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Shawnee Dam #1

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 24 ft

Walkers Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 40 ft

Lake Shawnee Dam #2

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Lake Shawnee Dam #3

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Spratley Leigh Dam

Powhatan, VA

Low Hazard 58 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Byers Dam?

Upper 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 Upper Byers Dam?

Upper Byers Dam is owned by Upper Lake Owners (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Upper Byers Dam?

Upper 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 Upper Byers Dam?

Upper Byers Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Upper Byers Dam last inspected?

Upper Byers Dam was last inspected on March 18, 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.