Willow Pond Farm Dam dam
Willow Pond Farm Dam
Willow Pond Farm Dam, located in Fauquier, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a height of 23.5 feet and a storage capacity of 32.1 acre-feet, this dam poses a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam, completed by Bohler Engineering, LLC and pXp Consultants, LLC, impounds the West Branch Thumb Run, creating a serene 4-acre pond that is a haven for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Despite being a privately owned structure, Willow Pond Farm Dam is not regulated by the state and does not require permits, inspections, or enforcement. The dam has not been modified since its completion, and its last inspection in March 2018 confirmed its satisfactory condition. While there are no associated structures or federal agency involvements with this dam, its proximity to the Baltimore District and the West Branch Thumb Run adds to its allure for those interested in water resource management and climate conservation. The dam offers a unique opportunity for recreation and relaxation in the picturesque Virginia countryside.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Willow Pond Farm Dam is a hidden gem in Fauquier, Virginia, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into earth dam construction and management. With its serene pond, surrounding landscape, and historical significance, this privately owned dam provides a fascinating case study for those interested in the intersection of water management, recreational use, and environmental stewardship. As a significant hazard potential structure with a satisfactory condition assessment, Willow Pond Farm Dam showcases the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
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 Willow Pond Farm Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| S F Shenandoah River At Front Royal | 323 cfs | → |
| Battle Run Near Laurel Mills | 24 cfs | → |
| Goose Creek Near Middleburg | 9 cfs | → |
| Spout Run At Rt 621 Near Millwood | 6 cfs | → |
| Passage Creek Near Buckton | 9 cfs | → |
| Hazel River At Rixeyville | 43 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Willow Pond Farm 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 Willow Pond Farm Dam
Where does the data for Willow Pond Farm 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 Significant 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.