Lake Shawnee Dam #3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Shawnee Dam #2 Walkers Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lake Shawnee Dam #3, located in Powhatan, Virginia, was completed in 1974 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the surrounding community.
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Summary
As a private-owned earth dam standing at 30 feet in height and stretching 700 feet in length, it provides a storage capacity of 197 acre-feet for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam is regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of June 2021, the hazard potential of Lake Shawnee Dam #3 remains undetermined. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps are yet to be determined or updated. However, with a designated inspection frequency of once a year and a history of meeting regulatory guidelines, the dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors. Abigail Davis Spanberger (D) represents the Norfolk District where the dam is situated, underscoring the importance of maintaining its functionality and safety for both recreational and environmental purposes.
As a significant feature along the Tributary Mill Creek, Lake Shawnee Dam #3 stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Its role in providing recreational opportunities while abiding by state regulatory standards highlights the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental protection. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate change, understanding the intricacies of dams like Lake Shawnee Dam #3 can offer valuable insights into sustainable practices and the importance of maintaining infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Trib. Mill Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
197 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Fine Creek At Fine Creek Mills
|
3cfs |
Appomattox River At Mattoax
|
292cfs |
James River And Kanawha Canal Near Richmond
|
131cfs |
James River Near Richmond
|
1960cfs |
James River At Cartersville
|
1950cfs |
Deep Creek Near Mannboro
|
76cfs |
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.
Lake Shawnee Dam #3
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