Volgenau Dam

TR-Thumb Run· Fauquier, Virginia· Earth· 35 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Volgenau 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 35 ft (taller than 80% in VA)
Dam Length275 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage205 acre-ft
Normal Storage125 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDVA061045

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: July 31, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Ernst Volgenau LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Brian Montgomery Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 27 ft

Montgomery Pond

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 30 ft

Barr Dam

Fauquier, VA

Significant Hazard 33 ft

Big Lake Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Sawyer Dam

Fauquier, VA

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Diane Brown Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Johnson Dam

Rappahannock, VA

Unknown 20 ft

Hauter Dam

Fauquier, VA

Unknown 28 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Volgenau Dam?

Volgenau 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 Volgenau Dam?

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

What is the primary purpose of Volgenau Dam?

Volgenau 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 Volgenau Dam?

Volgenau Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Volgenau Dam last inspected?

Volgenau Dam was last inspected on July 31, 2022. 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.