Lower Big Bethel Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Upper Big Bethel Dam York Meadows Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Lower Big Bethel Dam, located in Hampton, Virginia, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the US Air Force for recreational and water supply purposes.
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Summary
Built by the US Army Quartermaster Corps, this Earth-type dam spans 2439 feet in length with a height of 16 feet, providing a storage capacity of 830 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Brick Kiln Creek, has a spillway width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1650 cubic feet per second. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is not currently regulated or inspected by the state, with the last inspection conducted in August 2016.
The dam's surrounding area covers 102 acres with a drainage area of 7.92 square miles. Its normal storage capacity is 677 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource for the region. Although the dam's condition assessment is not available, its risk assessment indicates a very high level of risk, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and management measures. With its strategic location and functionality, Lower Big Bethel Dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for both recreational activities and water supply in the Hampton area, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
As a key structure under the purview of the US Air Force, Lower Big Bethel Dam plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in Hampton, Virginia. With its controlled spillway and significant hazard potential, the dam represents a focal point for risk management and emergency preparedness efforts. While its condition assessment is currently unavailable, the dam's operational importance for both recreation and water supply underscores the need for continued oversight and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the surrounding community.
Dam Length |
2439 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
BRICK KILN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
102 |
Drainage Area |
7.92 |
Nid Storage |
830 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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