Starkweather Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Starkweather Dam in Stafford, Virginia, stands as a significant water resource managed by a private owner.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 33.25 feet and a storage capacity of 68.5 acre-feet, plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the region. While its primary purpose and dam type remain unspecified, the dam's state-regulated status ensures compliance with safety and operational standards enforced by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Located in the Norfolk District, Starkweather Dam has a structural height matching its hydraulic height, indicating a robust design to withstand hydraulic pressures. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and lack of a formal condition rating, the dam's inspection frequency of 1 indicates regular monitoring for any emerging issues. While details about emergency preparedness and risk assessment are not provided, the presence of state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms underscore a commitment to maintaining the dam's integrity and public safety.

Starkweather Dam's role in water management in Stafford, Virginia, highlights the intersection of private ownership and state regulation in safeguarding critical infrastructure. With its storage capacity and hydraulic height, the dam serves as a key component in water resource management, albeit with limited information on its operational history and modifications. As climate change impacts water resources, ensuring the resilience and safety of dams like Starkweather becomes increasingly important, emphasizing the need for comprehensive risk assessments and emergency preparedness measures to mitigate potential hazards and protect downstream communities.

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

33.25

Surface Area

4.43

Hydraulic Height

33.25

Nid Storage

68.5

Structural Height

33.25

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

33
       
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.