Lake Whitehurst Dam

Lake Whitehurst Dam is a gravity dam located in Norfolk County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Lake Whitehurst Dam

The primary purpose of Lake Whitehurst Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Norfolk, Department Of Utilities (public utility). It impounds the Little Creek - Vahu6 Cb26 Lower Chesapeake Bay - Little Creek near Norfolk.

The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 1,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 480 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/07/2021.

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 HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateVirginia
CountyNorfolk
Nearest CityNorfolk
River/StreamLittle Creek - Vahu6 Cb26 Lower Chesapeake Bay - Little Creek
Coordinates36.91040, -76.18690

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height26 ft
Dam Height26 ft
Dam Length1,000 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage4,200 acre-ft
Max Storage4,200 acre-ft
Surface Area480 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Norfolk, Department of Utilities
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection01/07/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDVA710002
Federal IDVA710002
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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