Willis River Dam #3

BISHOP CREEK· Buckingham, Virginia· Earth· 44 ft tall
High Hazard Local Government

Key Takeaway

Willis River Dam #3 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. 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 44 ft (taller than 90.2% in VA)
Dam Length475 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage871 acre-ft
Normal Storage91 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
NID IDVA029003

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: February 22, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Willis River Dam #3?

Willis River Dam #3 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 Willis River Dam #3?

Willis River Dam #3 is owned by Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

How tall is Willis River Dam #3?

Willis River Dam #3 has a dam height of 44 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 Willis River Dam #3 last inspected?

Willis River Dam #3 was last inspected on February 22, 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.