Goose Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Goose Creek Dam, also known as Fairfax Reservoir, is a gravity dam located in Loudoun, Virginia, along the Goose Creek river.


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Summary

Owned by a public utility, the dam serves as a crucial water supply structure with a storage capacity of 4,373 acre-feet. Standing at a height of 39 feet and a length of 715 feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Goose Creek Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state guidelines. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in September 2020 reported it as satisfactory. Emergency action plans have been prepared, though updated information on contacts and guidelines compliance is pending.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Goose Creek Dam represents a significant infrastructure contributing to the water supply infrastructure in the area. Its strategic location along the Goose Creek river, coupled with its satisfactory condition and regulatory oversight, underscores its importance in safeguarding water resources and managing potential risks. As a gravity dam with a notable storage capacity, Goose Creek Dam serves as a critical asset in ensuring water availability and resilience in the region.

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

Goose Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

120

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

347

Nid Storage

4373

Structural Height

39

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.