Upper Big Bethel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Upper Big Bethel Dam, located in Newport News, Virginia, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the US Air Force.


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Summary

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
       
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.