Ware Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ware Dam, located in Halifax, Virginia, is a private dam regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 28 feet and stretching 730 feet in length, this Earth dam serves a primary purpose that is classified as "Other." With a storage capacity of 271 acre-feet and a normal storage of 208 acre-feet, Ware Dam sits on a surface area of 5.2 acres.

Despite its significant size, Ware Dam's hazard potential is currently labeled as "Undetermined," with its condition assessment marked as "Not Rated." The dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, leaving its emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures unverified. With its emergency preparedness and risk mitigation strategies unclear, there may be potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed to ensure the safety and integrity of Ware Dam in the face of changing water resource and climate conditions.

Given the importance of maintaining the safety and functionality of critical infrastructure like Ware Dam, ongoing monitoring, assessment, and risk management efforts are essential. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should pay attention to developments regarding Ware Dam to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the surrounding community and the environment from potential hazards and risks associated with this significant Earth dam in Virginia.

Dam Length

730

Dam Height

28

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.2

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

271

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

28
       
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.