Lake Fairfax Dam, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, standing at a height of 32 feet, impounds Colvin Run, creating a lake with a normal storage capacity of 182 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 487 acre-feet. With a surface area of 21 acres and a drainage area of 4.3 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in providing water-based recreational activities for visitors.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is regulated by the state of Virginia, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of December 2020 was deemed satisfactory. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision dating back to September 2012. The dam's location within the Baltimore District and its association with Congressman Gerald E. Connolly highlights its importance in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Lake Fairfax Dam stands as a vital earth structure that not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a crucial role in water storage and management in the Fairfax County area. As a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, the dam's presence along Colvin Run enhances the local ecosystem and contributes to the overall environmental health and well-being. With its strategic location and capacity, Lake Fairfax Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate adaptation, and community engagement in ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
Colvin Run |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
21 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
4.3 |
Nid Storage |
487 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
32 |
Difficult Run Near Great Falls
|
12cfs |
Broad Run Near Leesburg
|
61cfs |
Potomac River Near Wash
|
2550cfs |
Seneca Creek At Dawsonville
|
74cfs |
Long Branch Near Annandale
|
0cfs |
Accotink Creek Near Annandale
|
2cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Fairfax
|
||
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
|
||
Marsden Tract Campground
|
||
Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite
|
||
Horsepen Branch
|
||
Horsepen Branch Campsite
|