Ranch Acres Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ranch Acres Dam, located in New Kent, Virginia, is a vital structure used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 24 feet and spanning 300 feet in length, serves to create a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet for the tributary Black Creek. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Virginia, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulations.

While the hazard potential of Ranch Acres Dam is currently labeled as 'Undetermined' and its condition assessment is 'Not Rated', the dam remains a significant feature in the local water resource infrastructure. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam plays a crucial role in offering opportunities for leisure activities in the area. Despite lacking certain details such as a completion year and surface area data, Ranch Acres Dam continues to be an essential asset in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricacies of Ranch Acres Dam, they can appreciate its contribution to the local landscape and recreational opportunities. With its earth dam type and state-regulated status, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human engineering and natural resources management. While some aspects of its assessment and management are yet to be fully determined, Ranch Acres Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in enhancing communities and supporting environmental sustainability.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

trib. Black Creek

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

24
       
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.