Northrup Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Northrup Dam, also known as J.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

E. Taylor Dam, is a private dam located in Orange, Virginia along the TR-Pamunkey Creek. The dam, with a height of 30.8 feet and a length of 250 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 11 acres for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Northrup Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not yet rated, Northrup Dam has a storage capacity of 191 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 91 acre-feet. Although the dam's last inspection dates back to July 2002, it is inspected annually to assess its condition and ensure its continued safety. While the dam has not undergone any significant modifications or risk assessments recently, it remains a recreational asset for the surrounding community and a key feature along the TR-Pamunkey Creek. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Northrup Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human-made structures and natural landscapes in the preservation and utilization of water resources.

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

30.8

River Or Stream

TR-Pamunkey Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

30.8

Nid Storage

191

Structural Height

30.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.