Willis Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Willis Dam, also known as Redford Pond, is a private dam located in Powhatan, Virginia, along Horsepen Branch.


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Summary

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a length of 632 feet, providing irrigation for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet, Willis Dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and supporting agricultural activities in the region.

While the hazard potential of Willis Dam is currently undetermined, its condition assessment is not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation and maintenance. Despite this, the dam meets state regulations for inspection, enforcement, and permitting, ensuring its operational safety and compliance with environmental guidelines. With its strategic location and purpose, Willis Dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in Virginia, contributing to the sustainability of water supply and management in the area.

As climate change continues to affect water resources, Willis Dam stands as a key asset in mitigating water scarcity and supporting agricultural needs in the region. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts, this dam plays a critical role in water management and conservation, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience and adaptation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Willis Dam is essential in safeguarding our water supply for future generations.

Dam Length

632

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

Horsepen Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

81

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

26
       
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.