Willis River Dam #7

HATCHER CREEK· Buckingham, Virginia· Built 1969· Earth· 38 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Willis River Dam #7 is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 38 ft (taller than 84.6% in VA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage127 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Year Completed1969 (57 years old)
NID IDVA029009

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 25, 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 #7?

Willis River Dam #7 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 Willis River Dam #7?

Willis River Dam #7 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.

When was Willis River Dam #7 built?

Willis River Dam #7 was completed in 1969, making it 57 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Willis River Dam #7?

Willis River Dam #7 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Willis River Dam #7?

Willis River Dam #7 has a dam height of 38 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 #7 last inspected?

Willis River Dam #7 was last inspected on October 25, 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.