Northampton Dam # 3 dam
Northampton Dam # 3
Northampton Dam # 3 is a recreational earth dam located in Northampton, Virginia, with a primary purpose of providing recreation opportunities for enthusiasts. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam has a height of 8.5 feet and a storage capacity of 147.46 acre-feet. While the dam's hazard potential is undetermined and its condition is not rated, it is regularly inspected by state regulatory agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Situated in the Norfolk District, Northampton Dam # 3 offers a surface area of 27.4 acres for visitors to enjoy various recreational activities. Despite lacking information on its completion year and specific dam type, this structure stands as a significant feature in the region, attracting tourists and locals alike. The dam's location within Northampton County, Virginia, adds to its appeal as a destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in exploring the area's natural beauty and water management infrastructure.
While Northampton Dam # 3's risk assessment and emergency preparedness details are currently unavailable, its presence as a state-regulated recreational facility highlights the importance of managing water resources effectively. As visitors engage in outdoor activities at this dam, they can appreciate the efforts undertaken by regulatory agencies to ensure its safe operation and maintenance. With its picturesque surroundings and potential for outdoor recreation, Northampton Dam # 3 serves as a valuable asset for the community and a point of interest for those interested in water resource management and climate-related issues.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Northampton Dam # 3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Swamp At Mascot | 14 cfs | → |
| Blackwater River Near Dendron | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Northampton Dam # 3.
Boat launches
- Wise Point Boat Ramp
- Dandy Point Road 373, Fox Hill
- Messick Road 470, Poquoson
- West River Point Drive 48, Hampton
- Cedar Road 255, Poquoson
- Town Point Landing 526, Mathews
Track Northampton Dam # 3 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Northampton Dam # 3
Where does the data for Northampton Dam # 3 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Northampton Dam # 3.