Wachter Dam

trib. Totopotomoy Creek· Hanover, Virginia· Earth· 24 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wachter Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 42.5% in VA)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage84 acre-ft
Normal Storage37 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
NID IDVA085009

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: December 2, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Hanover County, Dept. of Public Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Charter Lake

Hanover, VA

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Regional Stormwater Facility T-40

Hanover, VA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Carter'S Pond Dam

Hanover, VA

Significant Hazard 21 ft

Forest Lake Dam

Hanover, VA

Low Hazard 26 ft

Walden'S Pond Dam

Hanover, VA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Crown Colony Dam

Hanover, VA

Unknown 28 ft

Stumpy Road Dam

Hanover, VA

Unknown 15 ft

Cross Dam

Hanover, VA

Unknown 28 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wachter Dam?

Wachter 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 Wachter Dam?

Wachter Dam is owned by Hanover County, Dept. of Public Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Wachter Dam?

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

How tall is Wachter Dam?

Wachter Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Wachter Dam last inspected?

Wachter Dam was last inspected on December 2, 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.