Compton Dam dam
Compton Dam
Compton Dam, located in Culpeper, Virginia, serves as a crucial water resource for irrigation purposes along the TR-Muddy Run river. The dam, standing at a height of 30 feet, was designed as an Earth-type structure and has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.
Despite its importance for irrigation, Compton Dam's hazard potential is currently classified as "Undetermined," with its condition assessment marked as "Not Rated." The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are also not specified in the available data. While the dam's infrastructure is primarily focused on its irrigation function, further information on its safety protocols and risk mitigation strategies would be beneficial for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the dam's operations and potential impact on the surrounding area.
As a key structure in the region, Compton Dam stands as a vital component of water management in Culpeper, Virginia. Its location and role in providing water for irrigation underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and assessment to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness. For enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate-related impacts on infrastructure, Compton Dam's operational details and risk management measures would provide valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining essential water resources in a changing climate.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Compton Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Hazel River At Rixeyville | 43 cfs | → |
| Battle Run Near Laurel Mills | 24 cfs | → |
| Rappahannock River At Remington | 59 cfs | → |
| Rapidan River Near Culpeper | 58 cfs | → |
| Robinson River Near Locust Dale | 26 cfs | → |
| Cedar Run Near Catlett | 3 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Compton Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Compton Dam
Where does the data for Compton Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.