Tankard Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Custis Dam Cullen Winter Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Tankard Dam, also known as Bob Town Reservoir, is a private-owned structure located in Melfa, Virginia.
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Summary
This dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes and has a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. Situated on Warehouse Prong, Hollies Church Branch, near Lower Chesapeake Bay and Pungoteague Creek, Tankard Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its importance in supporting agricultural activities, Tankard Dam's hazard potential is currently classified as undetermined, with a condition assessment that is not rated. The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and covers a surface area of 9.53 acres. While the structure is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, there are no records of recent inspections or assessments on its overall safety and maintenance.
As a significant component of the local water infrastructure, Tankard Dam's condition and risk management measures warrant further attention and evaluation to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both irrigation purposes and potential emergency situations. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and regulating such critical structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Warehouse Prong - Hollies Church Branch - Lower Chesapeake Bay - Pungoteague Creek VAHU6 CB41 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.53 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
85 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Tankard Dam