Morrisette Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Morrisette Dam, located in Powhatan, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 30 feet with a length of 400 feet, the dam provides a vital storage capacity of 70.56 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 51 feet. While the dam's hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition is not rated, it is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated in the Norfolk District and overseen by the state of Virginia, Morrisette Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its primary purpose and specific dam type are not specified, but its presence supports various environmental and climate-related objectives. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unaddressed, highlighting areas for potential improvement in enhancing its resilience to changing climate conditions and ensuring effective emergency response protocols.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the significance of structures like Morrisette Dam in safeguarding communities and ecosystems becomes increasingly apparent. With its storage capacity, regulatory oversight, and strategic location, the dam serves as a key component in water management efforts in Virginia, highlighting the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and infrastructure safety in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

70.56

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

30
       
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.