Lake Rillhurst Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Rillhurst Dam, located in Culpeper, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 27 feet and a length of 900 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 787 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 252 acre-feet. The dam encompasses a surface area of 53.3 acres and drains an area of 2.89 square miles.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Lake Rillhurst Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. Despite being labeled as having a "Significant" hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam remains unrated as of the last inspection in August 2015. The dam also lacks Emergency Action Plans (EAP) preparedness and inundation maps, indicating a need for further risk management measures.
Overall, Lake Rillhurst Dam stands as a crucial water resource in Culpeper, Virginia, providing both recreational opportunities and potential challenges in terms of risk management and safety protocols. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, there is a keen interest in understanding the dam's operational aspects and ensuring its continued safety and maintenance for the benefit of the surrounding community and environment.
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
27 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
53.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
2.89 |
Nid Storage |
787 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lake Rillhurst Dam