Mountain Run Dam #8a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mountain Run Dam #8a, also known as Caynor Lake, is a local government-owned structure in Culpeper, Virginia, designed by the Virginia DCR's Division of Soil and Water Conservation.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at 34 feet in height and spanning 545 feet in length, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Mountain Run stream. With a storage capacity of 1870 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5.56 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards in the region.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Mountain Run Dam #8a has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in April 2021. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are currently not available, highlighting areas for potential improvement in emergency preparedness and response. With the dam falling under state regulation and inspection, the Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees its operation and enforcement to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Mountain Run Dam #8a an intriguing case study in local flood risk reduction efforts. Its location along the Mountain Run stream, coupled with its significant hazard potential, underscores the importance of effective dam management and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities from potential flooding events. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and water resource dynamics, the role of structures like Mountain Run Dam #8a becomes increasingly vital in enhancing resilience to natural disasters and ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region.

Dam Length

545

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

Mountain Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21.5

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

5.56

Nid Storage

1870

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

34
       
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.