South Wales Country Club Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

South Wales Country Club Dam, located in Culpeper, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 23.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet. The dam, constructed on the TR-Rappahannock River, serves the purpose of water resource management in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition of South Wales Country Club Dam has not been rated since its last inspection in February 2012. With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles and a surface area of 7 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the region. Although further details on its construction year and recent modifications are unavailable, the dam remains an essential component of the local water infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, South Wales Country Club Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with state regulation and oversight. Its location on the Rappahannock River, in conjunction with its storage capacity and low hazard potential, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such dams to ensure their continued safety and functionality. As the Department of Conservation and Recreation continues to inspect and enforce regulations on this dam, it underscores the critical role of proper management in safeguarding our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

23.3

River Or Stream

TR-Rappahannock River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

23.3

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

88

Structural Height

23.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

23
       
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.