Breckinridge Dam, located in Stafford, Virginia, along the Chopawamsic Creek, is a concrete structure with a multi-arch core built in 1940 by the US Navy for the primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 58 feet and has a hydraulic height of 53 feet, with a length of 290 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 1130 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 730 acre-feet and a surface area of 55 acres.
Despite its recreational benefits, Breckinridge Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of June 2019. The dam is not regulated by the state and is owned by the US Marine Corps, with funding and construction overseen by the US Navy. While it has not been modified over the years, the dam lacks outlet gates and has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 110 feet. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam requires regular inspections every three years to ensure public safety.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Breckinridge Dam can appreciate its historical significance and the challenges it faces in maintaining its structural integrity for both recreational and water supply purposes. The dam's location in the Boswells Store area offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities, but its high hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to prevent potential disasters in the future.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
58 |
River Or Stream |
CHOPAWAMSIC CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
55 |
Hydraulic Height |
53 |
Drainage Area |
17.5 |
Nid Storage |
1130 |
Structural Height |
58 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
58 |