Located in Fairfax, Virginia, the Kings Park West Section 18 Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Long Branch Near Annandale
|
0cfs |
Accotink Creek Near Annandale
|
5cfs |
Cameron Run At Alexandria
|
23cfs |
Difficult Run Near Great Falls
|
18cfs |
Fourmile Run At Alexandria
|
2cfs |
Potomac River Near Wash
|
2700cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Burke Lake Park
|
||
Bull Run Regional Park
|
||
Lake Fairfax
|
||
Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
|
||
Pohick Bay Regional Park
|
||
Marsden Tract Campground
|