Ararat River Dam #17 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ararat River Dam #17, located in Patrick, Virginia, is a vital structure owned by the local government for flood risk reduction along the Rye Stack Branch.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet with a length of 310 feet, providing a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring its state-mandated inspection, permitting, and enforcement requirements are met.
The dam, completed in an unspecified year, serves as a crucial component in the flood risk reduction efforts in the region, with a primary purpose aligned with its design. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the last inspection in 2006 deemed it to have a low hazard potential. As a significant infrastructure within the Huntington District of the USACE, Ararat River Dam #17 highlights the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ararat River Dam #17 presents an intriguing case study of a locally-owned flood risk reduction structure that plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential inundation events. With its regulated status and historical inspection data, the dam showcases the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring practices to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks along the Rye Stack Branch in Patrick, Virginia.
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
RYE STACK BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Structural Height |
39 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ararat River At Ararat
|
138cfs |
Dan River Near Francisco
|
176cfs |
Fisher River Near Copeland
|
177cfs |
Little Yadkin River At Dalton
|
16cfs |
Chestnut Creek At Galax
|
33cfs |
Smith River At Smith Riv Church Nr Woolwine
|
19cfs |
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.
Ararat River Dam #17