Possum Point Ash Dam #d

Possum Point Ash Dam #d is an earth dam located in Prince William County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Possum Point Ash Dam #d

The primary purpose of Possum Point Ash Dam #d is debris control. The dam is designed to catch sediment, rocks, and debris carried by flowing water — particularly important in areas prone to mudslides or heavy erosion. The dam is owned by Virginia Electric And Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Off Stream.

The dam stands 140 feet tall and stretches 1,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 104 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/20/2022.

At 140 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateVirginia
CountyPrince William
River/StreamOff Stream
Coordinates38.54830, -77.28510

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height140 ft
Dam Height140 ft
Dam Length1,700 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage6,400 acre-ft
Max Storage6,400 acre-ft
Normal Storage5,500 acre-ft
Surface Area104 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeDebris Control
OwnerVirginia Electric and Power Company
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/20/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDVA153020
Federal IDVA153020
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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