D. Pitts Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

Pitts Dam, located in Caroline, Virginia, along tributary Maracossic Creek, serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. With a masonry dam type and a structural height of 9 feet, the dam provides a vital storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6 acres. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, D. Pitts Dam remains a key component in managing flood risks in the area. While specific details on the construction year and modification history are not available, the dam stands at 300 feet in length and plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and protecting the surrounding communities from potential inundation. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unavailable, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness to address any potential risks or emergencies.

With the dam not falling under the ownership or funding of federal agencies, the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of D. Pitts Dam rests with state authorities. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of this dam in flood risk reduction efforts highlights the importance of proper management and oversight to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the local area from potential water-related hazards.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

trib. Maracossic Creek

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

54

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

9
       
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.