Lake Meade Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Lake Meade Dam in Suffolk, Virginia, is a gravity dam that serves as a crucial water supply source for the region.
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Summary
With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 9,281 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area. Despite its importance, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality.
The dam, located on the Nansemond River, is regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and undergoes regular inspections to assess its structural integrity. With a surface area of 590 acres and a drainage area of 64.4 square miles, Lake Meade Dam provides essential water storage for the surrounding community. However, the dam's condition assessment and hazard potential underscore the importance of ongoing risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats to the dam and surrounding areas.
As a primary water supply structure, Lake Meade Dam plays a critical role in providing water for residents and businesses in Suffolk, Virginia. With its proximity to the Nansemond River and Cedar Lake, the dam's strategic location enhances its ability to store and distribute water effectively. Despite its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, efforts to maintain and monitor the dam ensure that it continues to fulfill its primary purpose of water supply for the community.
Dam Length |
678 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Nansemond River - VAHU6 JL48 Nansemond River - Cedar Lake |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
590 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
64.4 |
Nid Storage |
9281 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Blackwater River Near Franklin
|
256cfs |
Blackwater River Near Dendron
|
132cfs |
Pasquotank River Near South Mills
|
64cfs |
Nottoway River Near Sebrell
|
328cfs |
Potecasi Creek Near Union
|
12cfs |
Ahoskie Creek At Ahoskie
|
15cfs |
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.
Lake Meade Dam
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