Barr Dam

Buck Run· Fauquier, Virginia· Earth· 33 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Barr Dam is classified as significant hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 33 ft (taller than 76.7% in VA)
Dam Length505 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage554 acre-ft
Normal Storage170 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
NID IDVA061013

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 15, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Ball Hill Homeowner Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Brian Montgomery Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Montgomery Pond

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Sawyer Dam

Fauquier, VA

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Volgenau Dam

Fauquier, VA

Significant Hazard 35 ft

Rappahannock Dam #8

Rappahannock, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Diane Brown Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Rappahannock Dam #7

Rappahannock, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Johnson Dam

Rappahannock, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Barr Dam?

Barr Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Barr Dam?

Barr Dam is owned by Ball Hill Homeowner Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Barr Dam?

Barr Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Barr Dam?

Barr Dam has a dam height of 33 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Barr Dam last inspected?

Barr Dam was last inspected on October 15, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.