Walnut Creek Dam

OTTERDAM SWAMP· Powhatan, Virginia· Earth· 42 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Walnut Creek Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 42 ft (taller than 88.8% in VA)
Dam Length511 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage503 acre-ft
Normal Storage359 acre-ft
Surface Area22 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDVA145034

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 29, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Hopson LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Blenheim Road Mid-E Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 25 ft

Blenheim Road Se Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 23 ft

Bevins Pond Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 15 ft

Blenheim Road Sw Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Nixons Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Martin Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 21 ft

Flippen Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Mcquade Dam

Powhatan, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Walnut Creek Dam?

Walnut Creek Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Walnut Creek Dam?

Walnut Creek Dam is owned by Hopson LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Walnut Creek Dam?

Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek Dam?

Walnut Creek Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Walnut Creek Dam last inspected?

Walnut Creek Dam was last inspected on August 29, 2017. 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.