Willis River Dam #1b Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Willis River Dam #1b, also known as Little Chesapeake, is a local government-owned structure in Buckingham, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along the Willis River.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 43.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 1204 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 4.63 square miles. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in July 2019.

Located within the Norfolk District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Willis River Dam #1b is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. The dam has a structural height of 43.1 feet and a length of 300 feet, with a normal storage capacity of 96 acre-feet.

Although last inspected in July 2019, Willis River Dam #1b adheres to state regulations for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a designated emergency action plan (EAP) and updated hazard assessments, the dam continues to ensure the safety and security of the community in the event of a flood or emergency situation. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a vital component in managing the flow of the Willis River and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

43.1

River Or Stream

TR-WILLIS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

43.1

Drainage Area

4.63

Nid Storage

1204

Structural Height

43.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

43
       
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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. 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

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, 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.