Kings Park West Section 18 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Fairfax, Virginia, the Kings Park West Section 18 Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Constructed in 1976, this earth dam boasts a height of 25.6 feet and offers a storage capacity of 70.9 acre-feet. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety.

With a hazard potential classified as significant, the Kings Park West Section 18 Dam has undergone regular inspections, with the most recent assessment conducted in August 2020, deeming its condition as satisfactory. The dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, highlighting its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As a local government-owned structure, it serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies to safeguard communities from natural disasters.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Kings Park West Section 18 Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and environmental protection. Its role in flood risk reduction underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard communities against the impacts of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water management systems, the Kings Park West Section 18 Dam stands as a symbol of proactive measures taken to ensure the resilience and sustainability of water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Height

25.6

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25.6

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

70.9

Structural Height

25.6

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.