Roosevelt Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Roosevelt Pond Dam, located in York, Virginia, is a significant earth dam owned by the US Navy primarily for recreation purposes, including fish and wildlife management.


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Summary

Built in 1958, the dam stands at 14 feet high and spans 400 feet in length, with a capacity of 90.9 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.48 square miles. The dam's condition has been assessed as poor, with a notable hazard potential, warranting regular inspections to ensure public safety.

Despite its age and condition assessment, Roosevelt Pond Dam continues to serve as a vital recreational resource for the community, offering a surface area of 15 acres for outdoor activities. The dam's spillway, with a width of 3 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for controlled release of excess water during high flow events. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains under the ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation of the US Navy, ensuring continued maintenance and safety measures are in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting Roosevelt Pond Dam in NWS Yorktown can appreciate the dam's historical significance and ecological impact in the York River watershed. As efforts are made to address the dam's poor condition and significant hazard potential, stakeholders can collaborate to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of this essential water infrastructure for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-YORK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

90.9

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.