Staunton Dam

NORTH RIVER· Augusta, Virginia· Gravity· 46 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Staunton 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	46 ft (taller than 91.5% in VA)
Dam Length	266 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	416 acre-ft
Normal Storage	210 acre-ft

Surface Area	30 acres
Drainage Area	29 sq mi
NID ID	VA015018

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: March 20, 2014

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

City of Staunton

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Upper North River #76

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 118 ft

Upper North River Dam #10

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 68 ft

Upper North River #77

Augusta, VA

High Hazard 107 ft

Braley Dam

Augusta, VA

Low Hazard 25 ft

Lower North River # 78

Rockingham, VA

High Hazard 89 ft

Scottland Land Dam

Augusta, VA

Unknown 41 ft

Lower North River # 83

Rockingham, VA

High Hazard 93 ft

South Fork No. 19

Pendleton, WV

High Hazard 81 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Staunton Dam?

Staunton 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 Staunton Dam?

Staunton Dam is owned by City of Staunton (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Staunton Dam?

Staunton 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 Staunton Dam?

Staunton Dam has a dam height of 46 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 Staunton Dam last inspected?

Staunton Dam was last inspected on March 20, 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.