Potomac Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Potomac Lake Dam, also known as Palisade Parkway Embankment with Embedded Utilities, is a privately owned structure located in Loudoun, Virginia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam is designed for flood risk reduction and stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 280 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 149.2 acre-feet and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Although the hazard potential and condition assessment of the Potomac Lake Dam are currently listed as undetermined and not rated, respectively, the dam is regularly inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being a privately owned structure, the state of Virginia is actively involved in permitting, inspecting, and enforcing regulations related to the dam's operation. The dam's purpose of flood risk reduction underscores its critical role in safeguarding the local community from water-related disasters.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Potomac Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam management and flood risk reduction strategies. Located in a picturesque setting in Loudoun, Virginia, this earth dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its state-regulated status and focus on safety and compliance, the dam represents a significant commitment to protecting the environment and local communities from the impacts of potential flood events.

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

25

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.9

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

149.2

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

25
       
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.