Mayes Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Parsons No. 1 Dam Parsons No. 2 Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mayes Dam, located in Sussex, Virginia, is a vital water resource structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 15 feet, has a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 97 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-HARRIS SWAMP river or stream, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, covering a drainage area of 5.42 square miles.
Owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Mayes Dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Although the hazard potential and condition assessment of the dam are currently undetermined and not rated, efforts are being made to maintain its safety and functionality. With a notable absence of federal agency involvement, the dam remains a key asset for water management and recreation in the region.
Despite its modest height and size, Mayes Dam serves as a significant infrastructure for water supply and agricultural activities in Sussex County. With its strategic location and purpose, the dam underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management and highlights the role of local agencies in ensuring the safety and efficiency of key water structures in the region.
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HARRIS SWAMP |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
5.42 |
Nid Storage |
152 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nottoway River Near Stony Creek
|
302cfs |
Meherrin River At Emporia
|
327cfs |
Stony Creek Near Dinwiddie
|
32cfs |
Nottoway River Near Rawlings
|
157cfs |
Meherrin River Near Lawrenceville
|
238cfs |
Nottoway River Near Sebrell
|
396cfs |
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.
Mayes Dam