Overhill Dam dam
Overhill Dam
Overhill Dam, also known as Overhill Lake, is a vital water resource located in Hanover, Virginia. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond. With a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water security for the surrounding area and supporting local wildlife.
Situated on a tributary of the Chickahominy River, Overhill Dam is regulated by the state of Virginia and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. While the dam's hazard potential is currently listed as undetermined and its condition assessment is not rated, it remains a key feature in the region's water infrastructure. With its strategic location and operational significance, Overhill Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Although specific details about the dam's construction year and modifications are not available, its role in providing essential water resources for firefighting, agricultural purposes, and ecological preservation cannot be understated. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the upkeep and regulation of structures like Overhill Dam are essential for ensuring the resilience of local communities and ecosystems. With its location in the Norfolk District and the oversight of state authorities, Overhill Dam represents a critical asset in the ongoing effort to safeguard water resources in Virginia.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Overhill Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Anna River Near Ashland | 34 cfs | → |
| James River And Kanawha Canal Near Richmond | 137 cfs | → |
| James River Near Richmond | 1,230 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Doswell | 8 cfs | → |
| North Anna River At Hart Corner Near Doswell | 55 cfs | → |
| Pamunkey River Near Hanover | 86 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Overhill Dam.
Boat launches
- Mountain Road Hanover County
- Riverside Drive Richmond
- Watkins Landing Road 3099, Powhatan County
- Ancarrow's Landing
- Hanover Road Henrico County
- Commodore Point Place 3801, Brandermill
Campgrounds
More reservoirs
Track Overhill Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Overhill Dam
Where does the data for Overhill Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Overhill Dam.