Cedar Run Dam #3 is an earth dam located in Fauquier County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 55 ft55 ft tall and 2,470 ft long, taller than 94% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a ten-story building, about 100 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Cedar Run Dam #3
The primary purpose of Cedar Run Dam #3 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Town of Warrenton (local government). It impounds the Cedar Run.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 2,470 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 55 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,513 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 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 06/16/2022.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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 | Fauquier |
| River/Stream | Cedar Run |
| Coordinates | 38.75020, -77.79880 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,470 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,513 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,513 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 792 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 55 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Town of Warrenton |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA061043 |
| Federal ID | VA061043 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |