Western Branch Dam
Western Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Suffolk County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Western Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Western Branch 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 (local government). It impounds the Western Branch Nansemond River - Vahu6 Jl47 Western Branch Reservoir near Suffolk.
The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 2,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,250 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 35,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 65 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 07/07/2020.
At 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% of dams nationwide.
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 | Suffolk |
| Nearest City | Suffolk |
| River/Stream | Western Branch Nansemond River - Vahu6 Jl47 Western Branch Reservoir |
| Coordinates | 36.80170, -76.58310 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 35,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 35,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,250 acres |
| Drainage Area | 65 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Norfolk, Department of Utilities |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/07/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA800011 |
| Federal ID | VA800011 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |