Decoursey Dam

Orange, Virginia· Earth· 21 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Decoursey Dam is classified as low hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 31.6% in VA)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage44 acre-ft
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDVA137012

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 10, 2009
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Donald W. DeCoursey

Private

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North Anna Cat I Service Water Dike

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Fawn Lake Dam

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Burrus Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Decoursey Dam?

Decoursey Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Decoursey Dam?

Decoursey Dam is owned by Donald W. DeCoursey (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Decoursey Dam?

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

How tall is Decoursey Dam?

Decoursey Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Decoursey Dam last inspected?

Decoursey Dam was last inspected on December 10, 2009. 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.