Hundley Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Huggins Dam 3 Huggins Dam 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hundley Dam, located in Essex, Virginia, is a private-owned earth dam primarily designed for recreational purposes along the Margaret Lee Swamp.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 11 feet and stretching 422 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet. Despite being state-regulated and inspected, the dam's hazard potential is currently classified as undetermined, with its condition assessment labeled as "Not Rated."
The dam's design and construction details indicate a focus on providing recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. With its location in a picturesque setting, the dam offers a tranquil escape for visitors to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. However, the lack of a rating for its condition assessment highlights the need for further evaluation to ensure the safety and maintenance of the dam for continued recreational use.
As a part of the state's regulatory framework, the Department of Conservation and Recreation plays a crucial role in overseeing the dam's operation and enforcement. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently not specified, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. Overall, the Hundley Dam serves as a valuable resource for both recreation and water management, calling for responsible stewardship to safeguard its integrity and sustainability for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Dam Length |
422 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
MARGARET LEE SWAMP |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Nid Storage |
234 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Hundley Dam