Ice House Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Spring Branch Dam Walker Coleman Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ice House Dam in Virginia, nestled in King and Queen County, stands as a remarkable earth dam designed for recreational purposes on the tributary of Market Swamp.
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Summary
With a height of 13 feet and a storage capacity of 232 acre-feet, this state-regulated structure boasts a significant hazard potential, yet maintains a fair condition as of its last inspection in March 2020. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam serves as a vital point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Situated within the Norfolk District, Ice House Dam is a captivating example of a state-owned recreational dam that has undergone regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. Despite lacking specific information on completion date or modifications, this earth dam remains a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the natural beauty of King and Queen County. With the oversight of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Ice House Dam continues to provide a safe and scenic recreational space for visitors to enjoy.
As a state-regulated structure with a primary purpose of recreation, Ice House Dam is a significant landmark in the water resource landscape of Virginia. With its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, this earthen dam holds a unique blend of beauty and risk, making it an intriguing destination for those interested in the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're a dam enthusiast or simply seeking a picturesque spot for leisure activities, Ice House Dam offers a compelling glimpse into the diverse water infrastructure of the region.
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
trib. Market Swamp |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
232 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Ice House Dam