Coles Run Dam
Coles Run Dam is an earth dam located in Augusta County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Coles Run Dam
The primary purpose of Coles Run Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Augusta County Service Authority (local government). It impounds the Coles Run.
The dam stands 65 feet tall and stretches 540 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 256 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/06/2020.
At 65 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Augusta |
| River/Stream | Coles Run |
| Coordinates | 37.97610, -79.03030 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Length | 540 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 256 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 256 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 181 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Augusta County Service Authority |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/06/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA015019 |
| Federal ID | VA015019 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |