Wapelala Dam

Green Creek· Cumberland, Virginia· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Wapelala 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 23 ft (taller than 38.4% in VA)
Dam Length265 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage119 acre-ft
Normal Storage63 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDVA049036

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: October 15, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Clint Baldwin

Private

Nearby Dams

Ingle Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 24 ft

Simanske Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 21 ft

Atkins Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 11 ft

Wilck Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 19 ft

Lancaster Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Upper Ayers Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Lower Ayers Dam

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 28 ft

Wilck Family Dam #1

Cumberland, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wapelala Dam?

Wapelala 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 Wapelala Dam?

Wapelala Dam is owned by Clint Baldwin (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Wapelala Dam?

Wapelala 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 Wapelala Dam?

Wapelala Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Wapelala Dam last inspected?

Wapelala Dam was last inspected on October 15, 2020. 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.