Volgenau Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Volgenau Dam, also known as Shelton Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Fauquier, Virginia.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 34.84 feet and spans a length of 275 feet, holding back the waters of TR-Thumb Run. With a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet, the dam primarily serves a recreational purpose, offering a surface area of 14.2 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Volgenau Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a "Significant" hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of August 2021 was deemed satisfactory. With regular inspections and a comprehensive emergency action plan in place, the dam continues to offer recreational opportunities while prioritizing public safety in the face of potential risks.

The dam's location within the Baltimore District, along with its association with Denver Riggleman as the Congressional Representative, highlights its significance within the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering feat of Volgenau Dam, which not only provides recreational benefits but also showcases the importance of proper dam management to mitigate potential hazards and protect surrounding communities.

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

34.84

River Or Stream

TR-Thumb Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.2

Hydraulic Height

34.84

Drainage Area

0.57

Nid Storage

205

Structural Height

34.84

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
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.