Beautiful Run Dam #1b Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Beautiful Run Dam #1b is a local government-owned structure located in Madison, Virginia, along the Beautiful Run river.
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Summary
It is designed for flood risk reduction and serves as a crucial infrastructure to manage water resources in the area. The dam is an earth-type structure with a height of 35 feet and a length of 442 feet, providing a storage capacity of 452 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam has a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13.5 acres, serving a drainage area of 2.31 square miles. The primary purpose of Beautiful Run Dam #1b is to mitigate flood risks in the region, highlighting its importance in climate adaptation and water resource management. With its location in a picturesque natural setting and its essential role in protecting the community from flooding, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of nature conservation and infrastructure development in safeguarding our environment.
As a regulated structure that undergoes regular inspections and meets state permitting requirements, Beautiful Run Dam #1b demonstrates the commitment to effective water resource management and safety standards. With its strategic positioning along the Beautiful Run river and its ability to store water during flood events, the dam plays a critical role in ensuring the resilience of the local ecosystem and community against the impacts of climate change. As a key piece of infrastructure in the region, Beautiful Run Dam #1b exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in safeguarding our natural environment for future generations.
Dam Length |
442 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
Beautiful Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
2.31 |
Nid Storage |
452 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Beautiful Run Dam #1b