Henderson Dam dam
Henderson Dam
Henderson Dam, located in Stafford, Virginia, is a private-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 16.32 feet, the dam overlooks the TR-Potomac Creek and offers a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a storage capacity of 53.76 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.87 acres, the dam provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Henderson Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. While the hazard potential is deemed undetermined and the condition assessment is not rated, the dam continues to stand as a vital infrastructure for the local community. Despite lacking detailed data on its completion year and construction specifics, Henderson Dam remains a popular destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Virginia.
As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the significance of dams like Henderson Dam becomes even more pronounced. With its idyllic location and recreational offerings, Henderson Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices and the preservation of natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy.
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 Henderson Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rappahannock River Near Fredericksburg | 213 cfs | → |
| Aquia Creek Near Garrisonville | 2 cfs | → |
| S F Quantico Creek Near Independent Hill | 0 cfs | → |
| Po River Near Spotsylvania | 4 cfs | → |
| Mattaponi River Near Bowling Green | 13 cfs | → |
| Cedar Run Near Catlett | 5 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Henderson Dam.
Boat launches
- County Road 639 1302, Stafford County
- Elys Ford Road Spotsylvania County
- Elys Ford Road 10615, Fredericksburg
- Old Wharf Road King George County
- Friendship Landing Road 4701, Charles County
- Southlake Drive 9505, Spotsylvania County
Campgrounds
- Lunga Park Military - Quantico Mcb
- Campsite #6
- Campground 3
- Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground
- Cabin Camp 4 - Pleasant Historic District
- Oak Ridge - Prince William Forest Park
Fishing spots
Track Henderson 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 Henderson Dam
Where does the data for Henderson 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 Undetermined 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 Henderson Dam.