Sparrow Road Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Indian Lakes Dam Lake Smith Dam
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
Sparrow Road Lake Dam, also known as City No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
9, Elizabeth River Terrace, and Macdonald Park, is a private dam located in Norfolk, Virginia. This Earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Eastern Branch Elizabeth River. Standing at a height of 10.1 feet and spanning 400 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 59.2 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 26.25 acre-feet. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of January 2010, the hazard potential of Sparrow Road Lake Dam remains undetermined, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Situated in Virginia Beach County, Sparrow Road Lake Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the surrounding area. Its buttress core design and unlisted/unknown foundation contribute to its structural integrity. While the dam has not undergone any significant modifications or inspections since 2010, its satisfactory condition and storage capacity of 59.2 acre-feet make it a valuable asset for flood control efforts in the region. The dam's location near the Eastern Branch Elizabeth River underscores its importance in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the area.
As a private dam with no state regulatory oversight, Sparrow Road Lake Dam represents a unique piece of infrastructure designed to reduce flood risks along the Eastern Branch Elizabeth River. Despite its relatively modest size compared to other dams, its strategic location and flood risk reduction purpose make it a vital component of the water resource management infrastructure in Norfolk, Virginia. Continued monitoring and maintenance will be essential to ensure the long-term effectiveness and safety of Sparrow Road Lake Dam in safeguarding the local community against potential flooding events.
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
10.1 |
River Or Stream |
Eastern Branch Elizabeth River - VAHU6 JL54 Eastern Branch Elizabeth River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.5 |
Nid Storage |
59.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pasquotank River Near South Mills
|
26cfs |
Blackwater River Near Franklin
|
260cfs |
Blackwater River Near Dendron
|
113cfs |
Nottoway River Near Sebrell
|
356cfs |
Potecasi Creek Near Union
|
3cfs |
Ahoskie Creek At Ahoskie
|
4cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Little Creek RV Military
|
||
Ocean Pines RV Military - Oceana NAS
|
||
First Landing State Park
|
Sparrow Road Lake Dam
Mayflower Road 4601, Norfolk