Willis River Dam #5e Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Willis River Dam #5e, also known as Hardiman, is a local government-owned structure located in Buckingham, Virginia.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 41.7 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Whispering Creek. With a storage capacity of 1,448 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area and protecting the surrounding communities from potential flooding.

Managed and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Willis River Dam #5e has a high hazard potential but is currently in fair condition, as assessed during the last inspection in October 2019. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 185 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 18.2 acres, with a drainage area of 6.6 square miles. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.

With its strategic location and essential role in flood risk reduction, Willis River Dam #5e stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in the Norfolk District. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates can appreciate the engineering behind this structure, as it demonstrates effective management of water flow and protection against potential disasters. As efforts continue to maintain and monitor the dam's condition, it remains a key asset in safeguarding the local community and enhancing water resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.

Dam Length

784

Dam Height

41.7

River Or Stream

WHISPERING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.2

Hydraulic Height

41.7

Drainage Area

6.6

Nid Storage

1448

Structural Height

41.7

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.