Cypress Cove Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cypress Cove Dam in Southampton, Virginia, is a private earth dam located on the Nottoway Swamp with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 8.5 feet and a storage capacity of 445.9 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation and recreational activities. While the dam is state-regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, its hazard potential and condition assessment are currently undetermined and not rated, respectively.

The dam, situated within the Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, has not been rated for risk assessment or undergone emergency action plan (EAP) preparations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's inspection frequency is set at once per year, with the last assessment conducted in April 2019. The lack of updated emergency contacts, EAP revisions, and inundation maps signifies a potential area for improvement in the dam's risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

As a key component in water resource management, Cypress Cove Dam serves as a vital structure for recreational activities and irrigation purposes in the region. With its state-regulated status and private ownership, the dam's condition and risk assessment should be regularly monitored and updated to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure its long-term sustainability for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Dam Height

8.5

River Or Stream

NOTTOWAY SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

445.9

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

9
       
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.