University Commons Dam
University Commons Dam is an earth dam located in Richmond City, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About University Commons Dam
The primary purpose of University Commons Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by University Of Richmond (private). It impounds the Little Westhampton Creek.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 267 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 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. Notably, no emergency action plan is currently on file for this high-hazard dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/18/2018. That was 7 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.
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 | Richmond City |
| River/Stream | Little Westhampton Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.57570, -77.53870 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 267 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 267 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 143 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | University of Richmond |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/18/2018 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA760008 |
| Federal ID | VA760008 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |