Coles Run Dam

COLES RUN· Augusta, Virginia· Earth· 65 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Coles Run Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	65 ft (taller than 96.4% in VA)
Dam Length	540 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	256 acre-ft
Normal Storage	181 acre-ft

Surface Area	5 acres
Drainage Area	3 sq mi
NID ID	VA015019

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: November 6, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Augusta County Service Authority

Local Government

Nearby Dams

South River Dam #10a

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 98 ft

South River Dam #11

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 27 ft

Sediment Pond 3

Augusta, VA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Sediment Pond 1

Augusta, VA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Sediment Pond 2

Augusta, VA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Lower Sherando Dam

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 38 ft

Upper Sherando SCS 27

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 59 ft

Raymax Dam

Augusta, VA

Unknown 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Coles Run Dam?

Coles Run Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Coles Run Dam?

Coles Run Dam is owned by Augusta County Service Authority (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Coles Run Dam?

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

How tall is Coles Run Dam?

Coles Run Dam has a dam height of 65 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 Coles Run Dam last inspected?

Coles Run Dam was last inspected on November 6, 2020. 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.