Upper Powhatan Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lower Powhatan Dam Sunfish Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Upper Powhatan Dam, also known as Finch's Mill Pond or Powhatans Lake Dam (Upper), is a state-regulated structure located in Powhatan, Virginia.
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Summary
Owned by the state and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 210 acres and a maximum storage of 750 acres. Built as an earth dam, it stands at a height of 26.75 feet and spans 435 feet in length along Stegers Creek.
Despite its recreational benefits, Upper Powhatan Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition, as revealed by a recent inspection in March 2020. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in May 2008, raising concerns about its readiness to handle potential risks and emergencies. With a drainage area of 5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4330 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance remain critical factors for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the significance of Upper Powhatan Dam within the context of Virginia's water infrastructure, its location along Stegers Creek offers a valuable opportunity to study the intersection of recreation, conservation, and safety. With State jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam's role in supporting local ecosystems and recreational activities underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management. As discussions continue on enhancing the dam's condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and risk mitigation measures, a collaborative effort is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital water resource in Powhatan, Virginia.
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
26.75 |
River Or Stream |
STEGERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Hydraulic Height |
26.75 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
750 |
Structural Height |
26.75 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
James River At Cartersville
|
2090cfs |
Fine Creek At Fine Creek Mills
|
3cfs |
Appomattox River At Mattoax
|
309cfs |
Deep Creek Near Mannboro
|
96cfs |
Slate River Near Arvonia
|
73cfs |
James River And Kanawha Canal Near Richmond
|
131cfs |
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.
Upper Powhatan Dam
Mill Mount Trail Powhatan County