Lowry Dam dam
Lowry Dam
Lowry Dam, located in Loudoun, Virginia, is a privately owned structure regulated by the State Department of Conservation and Recreation. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, with additional recreational benefits. Standing at a height of 33 feet, the earth dam stretches 400 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 109.8 acre-feet. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and unassessed condition, the dam remains operational and under regular inspection by state authorities.
Situated on an unnamed tributary to Dutchmans Creek, Lowry Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources to the surrounding area. It is managed by a private entity and falls under the jurisdiction of the state of Virginia for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam's risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures are yet to be fully evaluated, its operational status and regulated state oversight ensure the safety and functionality of this vital water supply infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Lowry Dam an intriguing subject, given its significance in water supply and recreational use. The dam's location in Loudoun County, Virginia, and its association with the Baltimore District of the US Army Corps of Engineers add to its appeal for those interested in the intersection of water management, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. With its impressive size, storage capacity, and potential impact on the surrounding ecosystem, Lowry Dam presents a compelling case study for understanding the complexities of water resource management in a changing climate.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lowry Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Piney Run Near Lovettsville | 4 cfs | → |
| Catoctin Creek At Taylorstown | 7 cfs | → |
| Shenandoah River At Millville | 638 cfs | → |
| Potomac River At Point Of Rocks | 2,050 cfs | → |
| N F Catoctin Creek At Rt 681 Near Waterford | 1 cfs | → |
| S F Catoctin Creek At Rt 698 Near Waterford | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lowry Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Lowry Dam
Where does the data for Lowry Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.