Rapidan Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Carroll Dam Mittleman Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Rapidan Dam, located in Louisa, Virginia, is a vital water resource managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
This local government-owned dam stands at a height of 17 feet and stretches 650 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 70.86 acre-feet. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage, with a normal storage capacity of 53.02 acre-feet and a surface area of 9.64 acres.
Despite its importance, Rapidan Dam's hazard potential is currently listed as undetermined, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated". The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are also pending updates. With a history of regular inspections and a designated inspection frequency of once per year, the dam's structural integrity and safety are closely monitored to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Rapidan Dam highlights the critical role it plays in water management in the region. Understanding the dam's specifications, ownership, and regulatory oversight sheds light on the efforts to maintain its functionality and safety. Moving forward, continued monitoring and updates to emergency preparedness plans will be essential to safeguarding the dam's integrity and the well-being of those who rely on its water resources.
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
17 |
Surface Area |
9.64 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
70.86 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Rapidan Dam