Hickory Tree Farm Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hickory Tree Farm Dam, located in Fauquier, Virginia, stands as a private irrigation structure along the Burnt Mill Run river.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for irrigation purposes, is an earth-type structure with a height of 19 feet and a length of 350 feet, providing a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and not yet rated condition assessment, the Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains regulatory oversight, including inspection, permitting, and enforcement responsibilities.

While the dam's risk assessment, emergency action plan (EAP), and inundation maps are currently unprepared or outdated, the dam's owner is subject to state jurisdiction and regulation for maintaining the safety and integrity of the structure. With a limited surface area of 5 acres and a normal storage capacity of 37 acre-feet, Hickory Tree Farm Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding agricultural lands. The absence of federal agency involvement indicates a reliance on state agencies for monitoring and oversight, emphasizing the importance of private dam owners in ensuring water resource sustainability.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricacies of dam infrastructure, Hickory Tree Farm Dam presents a case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in Virginia. With a focus on water supply and irrigation, this earth-type dam plays a vital role in supporting local agricultural activities. While facing uncertainties in hazard potential and condition assessment, the dam operates under state regulation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between private owners and regulatory agencies to manage water resources effectively and sustainably in the region.

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Burnt Mill Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

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.