Upper Big Bethel Dam, located in Newport News, Virginia, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the US Air Force.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, constructed by the US Army Quartermaster Corps, spans the Brick Kiln Creek and serves primarily for recreational purposes. Standing at 18 feet in height and 950 feet in length, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 1430 acre-feet and a surface area of 260 acres.
With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Upper Big Bethel Dam is monitored and inspected by the US Air Force every 5 years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 105 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 420 cubic feet per second. Although the condition assessment is not available, the structure is considered to meet regulatory guidelines and poses a moderate risk of failure.
The dam, with its stone buttress core and unlisted/unknown foundation, plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the region. Despite its status as a recreational facility, Upper Big Bethel Dam requires careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the environment.
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BRICK KILN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
260 |
Drainage Area |
7.17 |
Nid Storage |
1430 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |