Powhatan Plantation Dam dam
Powhatan Plantation Dam
Powhatan Plantation Dam, located in King George, Virginia, along the Keys Run river stream, is a private earth dam primarily designed for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 31 feet with a length of 410 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 391 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 26 acres. While the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, it is classified as low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 2006.
With a rich history dating back to its completion year, Powhatan Plantation Dam serves as a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate. Managed under private ownership, the dam offers opportunities for recreational activities to visitors, including picnicking, fishing, and wildlife observation along its serene surroundings. Although its emergency action plan and risk assessment measures are not detailed, the dam's low hazard potential suggests a stable condition and minimal risk to its immediate environment.
For those interested in the intersection of water resources and climate, Powhatan Plantation Dam presents a unique case study in dam management and regulation. Situated within the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands as a testament to responsible stewardship of water resources for recreational purposes. As enthusiasts continue to monitor and study the dam's condition and operational practices, it offers valuable insights into sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
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 Powhatan Plantation Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Mattaponi River Near Bowling Green | 26 cfs | → |
| Rappahannock River Near Fredericksburg | 235 cfs | → |
| Aquia Creek Near Garrisonville | 4 cfs | → |
| Po River Near Spotsylvania | 5 cfs | → |
| Zekiah Swamp Run Near Newtown | 3 cfs | → |
| Mattaponi River Near Beulahville | 47 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Powhatan Plantation Dam.
Boat launches
- Old Wharf Road King George County
- Friendship Landing Road 4701, Charles County
- Charles County
- County Road 639 1302, Stafford County
- Paul Ellis Landing
- Southlake Drive 9505, Spotsylvania County
Campgrounds
- Champs Rv Military - A P Hill
- Smallwood State Park Youth Group Campsite
- Smallwood State Park
- Lunga Park Military - Quantico Mcb
- Campground 3
- Campsite #6
Fishing spots
Track Powhatan Plantation 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 Powhatan Plantation Dam
Where does the data for Powhatan Plantation 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 Low 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 Powhatan Plantation Dam.