Willis River Dam #7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Buckingham, Virginia, Willis River Dam #7, also known as Ownby Dam, is a critical earth dam built in 1969 for flood risk reduction along Hatcher Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 37.9 feet and a length of 400 feet, this dam provides essential flood protection for the surrounding area. The dam has a storage capacity of 3,251 acre-feet and serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region.

Managed by the local government, Willis River Dam #7 is regulated and inspected by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a significant hazard potential, the dam is rated as satisfactory in its condition assessment as of October 2019. Regular inspections and maintenance activities are conducted to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam. While no spillway type or maximum discharge information is available, the dam continues to play a crucial role in protecting the local community from flooding events.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the importance of dams like Willis River Dam #7 in managing flood risks and safeguarding communities. With its strategic location along Hatcher Creek and its significant storage capacity, this earth dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Buckingham, Virginia. By staying informed about the dam's condition and maintenance activities, enthusiasts can appreciate the role it plays in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

37.9

River Or Stream

HATCHER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

37.9

Drainage Area

11.2

Nid Storage

3251

Structural Height

37.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.