Benzinger Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swan Dam Willis Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Benzinger Dam, located in Culpeper, Virginia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes along the TR-Jonas Creek.
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Summary
The dam stands at 20 feet in height and stretches 300 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring state inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes are in place to maintain its integrity and safety.
Despite its undetermined hazard potential and not yet rated condition assessment, Benzinger Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a history of being used for both irrigation and recreation, the dam plays a significant role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. Its strategic location and design as an earth dam make it a key piece of infrastructure for ensuring water security and sustainability in Culpeper, Virginia.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Benzinger Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intricacies of managing and maintaining a vital piece of infrastructure for both irrigation and recreational purposes. With a rich history and a robust regulatory framework in place, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water management in the face of changing climate conditions. Its role in providing water security and supporting local ecosystems makes it a valuable asset worth studying and protecting for future generations.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-Jonas Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hazel River At Rixeyville
|
70cfs |
Rappahannock River At Remington
|
177cfs |
Rapidan River Near Culpeper
|
118cfs |
Battle Run Near Laurel Mills
|
3cfs |
Robinson River Near Locust Dale
|
61cfs |
Cedar Run Near Catlett
|
8cfs |
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.
Benzinger Dam