Bowmans Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowmans Dam, located in Fauquier, Virginia, is a private earth dam situated on Piney Branch.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 18 feet and with a length of 700 feet, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes with a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. While its hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition is not rated, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

This dam, owned privately, plays a pivotal role in providing recreational opportunities in the area, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a normal storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a hydraulic height matching its structural height of 18 feet, Bowmans Dam offers a serene setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite lacking recent data on its condition assessment, the dam remains a valuable asset to the community and a source of enjoyment for visitors.

Although Bowmans Dam has not undergone recent modifications or assessments, its emergency action plan was last revised in 1997, ensuring preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. With its location in the Norfolk District and under the state jurisdiction of Virginia, the dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals to appreciate and explore the natural beauty of the Piney Branch area.

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Piney Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

18
       
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.
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