Fairview Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fairview Lake Dam, also known as Holmes Run #2a, is a gravity dam located in Fairfax, Virginia, owned by the local government.


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Summary

The dam is primarily designed for flood risk reduction along Holmes Run, with a maximum storage capacity of 785 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 179.9 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 26.5 feet and stretches 201.5 feet in length, regulating a drainage area of 2.48 square miles.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Fairview Lake Dam has a high hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of May 2020. The dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in May 2020, to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, highlighting the need for proactive emergency preparedness measures to mitigate potential risks to the surrounding community.

Situated under the jurisdiction of the Baltimore District, Fairview Lake Dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and protecting the surrounding area from flooding. With its strategic location and crucial purpose, the dam serves as a significant asset in water resource and climate management efforts in Fairfax, Virginia.

Dam Length

201.5

Dam Height

26.5

River Or Stream

Holmes Run

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

18.7

Hydraulic Height

26.5

Drainage Area

2.48

Nid Storage

785

Structural Height

26.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.