Sawyer Dam

Buck Run· Fauquier, Virginia· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

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

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 26.8% in VA)
Dam Length276 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage258 acre-ft
Normal Storage107 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
NID IDVA061003

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: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Valhalla Farm LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Diane Brown Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Diguilian Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 37 ft

Barr Dam

Fauquier, VA

Significant Hazard 33 ft

Montgomery Pond

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Brian Montgomery Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Big Lake Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Rappahannock Dam #8

Rappahannock, VA

Unknown 22 ft

Rappahannock Dam #7

Rappahannock, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sawyer Dam?

Sawyer 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 Sawyer Dam?

Sawyer Dam is owned by Valhalla Farm LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Sawyer Dam?

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

How tall is Sawyer Dam?

Sawyer Dam has a dam height of 20 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.

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.