Lake Curtis Dam dam
Lake Curtis Dam
Lake Curtis Dam, also known as Stafford Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Stafford, Virginia. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is situated on the Long Branch river. With a height of 38 feet and a length of 1350 feet, Lake Curtis Dam has a storage capacity of 2030 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 824 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring that it is inspected, permitted, and enforced according to state regulations.
Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Lake Curtis Dam remains a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. The dam's surface area covers 95 acres, providing ample space for outdoor activities and wildlife habitat. While the dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community. Additionally, emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks associated with the dam.
Overall, Lake Curtis Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for both recreational enjoyment and water resource management in Stafford, Virginia. Its presence on the Long Branch river not only enhances the natural landscape but also contributes to the local ecosystem. With continued monitoring and maintenance, the dam remains a key feature for residents and visitors alike, offering a serene environment for outdoor recreation and appreciation of the surrounding water resources and climate dynamics.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lake Curtis Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Aquia Creek Near Garrisonville | 2 cfs | → |
| Rappahannock River Near Fredericksburg | 213 cfs | → |
| S F Quantico Creek Near Independent Hill | 0 cfs | → |
| Cedar Run Near Catlett | 5 cfs | → |
| Rappahannock River At Remington | 136 cfs | → |
| Po River Near Spotsylvania | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Curtis Dam.
Boat launches
- Elys Ford Road 10615, Fredericksburg
- Elys Ford Road Spotsylvania County
- County Road 639 1302, Stafford County
- Rogues Road Fauquier County
- Southlake Drive 9505, Spotsylvania County
- Doves Trail Prince William County
Campgrounds
- Lunga Park Military - Quantico Mcb
- Campsite #6
- Oak Ridge - Prince William Forest Park
- Oak Ridge Campground
- Campground 3
- Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground
Fishing spots
Track Lake Curtis Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Curtis Dam
Where does the data for Lake Curtis Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Curtis Dam.