Reston Northern Sector Pond 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Reston Northern Sector Pond 1 Dam, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a critical structure owned by the local government for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 20.8 feet, this earth dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area, with a storage capacity of 70.33 acre-feet. While the dam has a high hazard potential, recent inspections have deemed its condition as satisfactory, ensuring its continued effectiveness in safeguarding against potential flooding events.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Reston Northern Sector Pond 1 Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving the community by mitigating potential water-related hazards. With a history of regular inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2020, the dam remains a reliable structure in the region's water resource management infrastructure.

Despite its high hazard potential, Reston Northern Sector Pond 1 Dam continues to meet regulatory guidelines and is equipped with emergency action plans to address any unforeseen events. With a designated emergency contact protocol and a history of satisfying condition assessments, this essential earth dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management practices in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Dam Height

20.8

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20.8

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

70.33

Structural Height

20.8

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.