Penderbrook North Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Penderbrook North Pond Dam in Fairfax, Virginia, is a private dam designed for flood risk reduction along the Difficult Run tributary.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 20 feet with a length of 500 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the area. Owned privately, the dam is regulated and permitted by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.

With a storage capacity of 55.92 acre-feet, the dam helps control water levels and reduce the risk of flooding in the region. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and lack of a formal condition rating, the Penderbrook North Pond Dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. While it may not have a designated emergency action plan or detailed risk assessment, the dam stands as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring for climate and water enthusiasts.

As an essential structure for flood risk reduction, the Penderbrook North Pond Dam showcases the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related hazards. As enthusiasts in these fields, understanding the significance of structures like the Penderbrook North Pond Dam can provide valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization with climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Difficult Run tributary

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.99

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

55.92

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

20
       
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.