Brandy Rock Farm Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Brandy Rock Farm Dam, also known as Strauss Lake, is a privately owned dam located in Culpeper, Virginia.
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Summary
This earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, but also offers recreational opportunities. The dam stands at a height of 25.7 feet and has a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 243 acre-feet. Situated on Ruffins Run, a small stream with a drainage area of 2.75 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Brandy Rock Farm Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. While its hazard potential and condition assessment are currently undetermined and not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified. As an essential infrastructure for water supply and recreation, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of Brandy Rock Farm Dam are vital to safeguarding its integrity and the surrounding environment.
With its strategic location and importance in water resource management, Brandy Rock Farm Dam serves as a notable example of private infrastructure contributing to irrigation and recreational activities in Virginia. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the role of such dams in sustaining local ecosystems and communities is crucial. The ongoing evaluation and maintenance of Brandy Rock Farm Dam underscore the broader need for sustainable management practices to ensure the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam Height |
25.7 |
River Or Stream |
Ruffins Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25.7 |
Drainage Area |
2.75 |
Nid Storage |
250 |
Structural Height |
25.7 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Rappahannock River At Remington
|
177cfs |
Hazel River At Rixeyville
|
70cfs |
Battle Run Near Laurel Mills
|
3cfs |
Rapidan River Near Culpeper
|
118cfs |
Cedar Run Near Catlett
|
8cfs |
Robinson River Near Locust Dale
|
61cfs |
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.
Brandy Rock Farm Dam
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