Airlie Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Airlie Dam, located in Fauquier, Virginia, on Cedar Run, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 19.1 feet in height and spans 783 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 441 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it meets state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements.

With a surface area of 24.8 acres and a drainage area of 3.88 square miles, Airlie Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has not been recently rated for its condition. Despite being last inspected in 2013, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and lacks an official Emergency Action Plan (EAP). While it meets state jurisdiction and regulatory standards, the dam's risk assessment, management measures, and emergency preparedness could benefit from further development to enhance safety and mitigate potential hazards associated with its operation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Airlie Dam offers a unique recreational space in Virginia, with opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based adventures. This privately owned earth dam, nestled in a picturesque location, provides a glimpse into the intersection of human-made infrastructure and natural waterways. As efforts continue to ensure its compliance with state regulations and enhance safety measures, Airlie Dam stands as a symbol of the delicate balance between enjoying water resources for leisure while safeguarding against potential risks and hazards.

Dam Length

783

Dam Height

19.1

River Or Stream

Cedar Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.8

Hydraulic Height

19.1

Drainage Area

3.88

Nid Storage

441

Structural Height

19.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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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Area Campgrounds