Northampton Dam # 5 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dixon-Parson Dam Northampton Dam # 4
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Northampton Dam # 5 is a private dam located in Cape Charles, Virginia, along the Pond Drain (Creek) in the Lower Chesapeake Bay area.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a length of 50 feet, providing a storage capacity of 121 acre-feet for fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and other purposes. The dam, designated as a buttress core type, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.
While the hazard potential of Northampton Dam # 5 is undetermined and its condition assessment is not rated, the dam has not been inspected recently. The emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment for the dam are also not available. With its unique location and purpose for recreational and environmental activities, Northampton Dam # 5 serves as an important water resource structure in the region, highlighting the intersection of water management and climate considerations.
Dam Length |
50 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
Pond Drain (Creek) - VAHU6 CB46 Lower Chesapeake Bay - Cherrystone Inlet |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37.8 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
121 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
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.
Northampton Dam # 5