Winters Branch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Located in Manassas, Virginia, the Winters Branch Dam serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Winters Branch river.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 26.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

The Winters Branch Dam has a significant hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition as of the last inspection in December 2015. Despite this, the dam remains in operation and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. With a drainage area of 1.02 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 3.6 acre-feet, the dam contributes to the overall water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience and water conservation efforts.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events become more frequent, the Winters Branch Dam stands as a critical infrastructure for managing flood risks in the Manassas area. With its strategic location and design, the dam plays a key role in protecting communities and natural habitats from potential inundation, showcasing the importance of proactive measures in adapting to a changing climate and ensuring the resilience of water resource systems for future generations.

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

26.5

River Or Stream

Winters Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.1

Hydraulic Height

26.5

Drainage Area

1.02

Nid Storage

175

Structural Height

26.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.