Stieffen Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Stieffen Pond Dam, located in James City, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Skimino Creek, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring proper permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place to maintain its safety and integrity.

Although the hazard potential of Stieffen Pond Dam is currently classified as undetermined and its condition assessment is not rated, it is subject to regular inspections with a frequency of one year. The emergency action plan status and risk assessment for the dam are also noted as pending further evaluation. With Congressman Robert J. Wittman representing the district, the dam's management and safety practices are overseen by state regulatory agencies to ensure the protection of nearby communities and the environment.

As a hub for recreational activities, Stieffen Pond Dam enhances the natural landscape and provides a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts. While its risk and emergency preparedness factors are still being assessed, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the beautiful state of Virginia.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

trib. Skimino Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

16
       
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.