Dardens Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Princes Dam Cypress Cove Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dardens Dam, also known as Darden/Newsoms Mill Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Southampton, Virginia, near the city of Newsoms.
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Summary
This earth-type dam stands at a height of 10.15 feet and stretches 1500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Dardens Dam is for irrigation, but it also serves recreational activities in the area.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Dardens Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a spillway width of 150 feet and is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the risk associated with Dardens Dam is considered moderate, with risk management measures in place to mitigate any potential issues.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Dardens Dam will appreciate its role in providing irrigation water and recreational opportunities in the region. With its unique design and construction, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in the area, while also posing a moderate risk that is being actively managed by state authorities. As a significant landmark in the water resource management field, Dardens Dam continues to be a focal point for conservation efforts and regulatory oversight in Virginia.
Dam Length |
1500 |
Dam Height |
10.15 |
River Or Stream |
Mill Swamp - VAHU6 CU47 Mill Swamp - Darden Pond |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
72 |
Drainage Area |
11.17 |
Nid Storage |
800 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nottoway River Near Sebrell
|
396cfs |
Blackwater River Near Franklin
|
242cfs |
Potecasi Creek Near Union
|
24cfs |
Nottoway River Near Stony Creek
|
302cfs |
Meherrin River At Emporia
|
327cfs |
Ahoskie Creek At Ahoskie
|
10cfs |
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.
Dardens Dam