Ararat River Dam #32 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ararat River Dam #32, located in Patrick, Virginia, serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along the tributary of the Ararat River.


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Summary

This earth-type dam stands at 36 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. While the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, the last inspection in 2006 deemed its hazard potential as undetermined. The Department of Conservation and Recreation regulates and inspects this dam to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Managed by the local government, Ararat River Dam #32 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. Despite lacking recent modifications or comprehensive risk assessments, this dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.33 square miles, this dam serves as a key infrastructure piece in safeguarding the region against water-related disasters.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Ararat River Dam #32 is essential in appreciating the efforts made to manage and regulate water flow for the benefit of local communities. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive flood risk reduction measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of those living in Patrick, Virginia, and the surrounding areas.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

TRIB-ARARAT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

80

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

36
       
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.