Pohick Creek Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pohick Creek Dam #2, also known as Lake Barton, is a vital structure in Fairfax, Virginia, designed for flood risk reduction along the TR-Sideburn Branch.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 39.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also serves as a recreational area with a surface area of 9.44 acres.

Located in the Baltimore District, Pohick Creek Dam #2 has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of October 2020. The dam has a drainage area of 0.84 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. While the exact year of completion is not specified, this essential structure undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area. The dam's significance lies in its role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Dam Length

698

Dam Height

39.1

River Or Stream

TR-Sideburn Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.44

Hydraulic Height

39.1

Drainage Area

0.84

Nid Storage

560

Structural Height

39.1

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

39
       
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.