Decoursey Dam dam
Decoursey Dam
Decoursey Dam, located in Orange, Virginia, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes. The dam stands at a height of 21.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 44 acre-feet. While the dam's hazard potential is rated as low, it is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.
Despite its modest size and purpose, Decoursey Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and supports recreational activities in the area. The dam has not been rated for its condition since December 2009, and there have been no reported modifications or significant incidents associated with the structure. Located within the Baltimore District, the dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality for both irrigation and recreation purposes.
Overall, Decoursey Dam serves as a vital component of water infrastructure in Virginia, contributing to the efficient use of water resources for agricultural and recreational needs. With its low hazard potential and state regulation, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water management practices in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the role that structures like Decoursey Dam play in maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental sustainability.
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.
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 Decoursey Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rapidan River Near Culpeper | 461 cfs | → |
| Po River Near Spotsylvania | 10 cfs | → |
| Robinson River Near Locust Dale | 226 cfs | → |
| North Anna River Near Partlow | 57 cfs | → |
| Rappahannock River Near Fredericksburg | 792 cfs | → |
| Rappahannock River At Remington | 872 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Decoursey Dam.
Boat launches
- Southlake Drive 9505, Spotsylvania County
- Elys Ford Road 10615, Fredericksburg
- Elys Ford Road Spotsylvania County
- Rogues Road Fauquier County
- South Boston Road 3315, Fluvanna County
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Bealers Ferry Boat Launch
- Bealers Ferry Pond Accessible Fishing Site
- Moody Boat Launch
- Batzell Boat Launch
- Hatton Creek
Track Decoursey Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Decoursey Dam
Where does the data for Decoursey 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 Low 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Decoursey Dam.