Cheatham Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cheatham Pond Dam, located in Cheatham Annex in York, Virginia, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the US Navy primarily for recreation purposes such as fishing and wildlife enjoyment.


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Summary

Completed in 1943, this Earth-type dam stands at 8 feet tall and spans 800 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 346 acre-feet with a surface area of 53 acres. The dam is situated on Queen Creek and is regulated by the US Navy, with inspections conducted every five years to ensure its safety and integrity.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor as of the last inspection in 2017. The risk assessment for Cheatham Pond Dam is moderate, indicating a potential for issues that may require management measures to mitigate. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and a maximum discharge of 190 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the area. The surrounding area and community, including the nearby city of Cheatham Annex, benefit from the recreational opportunities and ecological value provided by the dam and its associated pond.

Year Completed

1943

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

QUEEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

53

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

346

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.