Lake Overton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Overton Dam in Henrico, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 360 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 106 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Upham Brook, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Despite its high hazard potential, Lake Overton Dam's condition has not been rated since its last inspection in 2005. The dam poses a significant risk to the surrounding area in the event of a failure, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures. With a surface area of 7.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.85 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also requiring careful monitoring and oversight to ensure public safety.

As a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Overton Dam serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between human development and natural ecosystems. Its existence as a recreational structure highlights the importance of balancing the enjoyment of water resources with the need for responsible stewardship and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. The dam's location in the Norfolk District underscores the broader regulatory framework that governs water infrastructure in Virginia, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in managing and protecting these vital resources for future generations.

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

trib. Upham Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.85

Nid Storage

106

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.