Willcox Dam

Unnamed tributary to Lieutenant Run - VAHU6 JA40 Appomattox River - Old Town Creek· Petersburg, Virginia· Earth· 18 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Willcox Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	18 ft (taller than 20.3% in VA)
Dam Length	356 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	200 acre-ft
Normal Storage	120 acre-ft

Surface Area	18 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
Max Discharge	10,119 cfs
NID ID	VA730002

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: June 9, 2021

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Petersburg

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Cernys Dam

Dinwiddie, VA

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Hamlins Dam

Prince George, VA

Unknown 15 ft

Sykes Lake Dam

Petersburg, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Soldiers Pond Dam

Petersburg, VA

Unknown 26 ft

Lakeview

Colonial Heights, VA

High Hazard 39 ft

Musgrove Dam

Dinwiddie, VA

Unknown 12 ft

Swift Creek Mill Dam

Chesterfield, VA

Unknown 10 ft

Commerce Park Dam

Dinwiddie, VA

High Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Willcox Dam?

Willcox Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Willcox Dam?

Willcox Dam is owned by City of Petersburg (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Willcox Dam?

Willcox 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 Willcox Dam?

Willcox Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Willcox Dam last inspected?

Willcox Dam was last inspected on June 9, 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.