Lower Big Bethel Dam
Lower Big Bethel Dam is an earth dam located in Hampton County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Lower Big Bethel Dam
The primary purpose of Lower Big Bethel Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Usaf Acc (federal). It impounds the Brick Kiln Creek near Hampton Va.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 2,439 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 102 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 830 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/12/2023.
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.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Hampton |
| Nearest City | Hampton Va |
| River/Stream | Brick Kiln Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.09212, -76.41434 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,439 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 830 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 830 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 677 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 102 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,650 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | USAF ACC |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/12/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA199002 |
| Federal ID | VA199002 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |