Fairfax Pond dam
Fairfax Pond
Fairfax Pond, located in Preston, West Virginia, is a state-regulated recreational water source known for its picturesque setting and serene surroundings. Built in 1950, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 50 acres and is fed by Kanes Creek, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Despite its popularity, Fairfax Pond has been classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, with the last inspection in May 2016 revealing areas in need of improvement. The dam is regularly monitored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, with inspections conducted every two years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. While the pond offers a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts, ongoing efforts are being made to address any safety concerns and maintain its recreational value for future generations to enjoy.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is currently under review to ensure it meets the necessary guidelines and protocols for swift and effective response. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and potential risks in mind, Fairfax Pond remains a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts while also serving as a reminder of the importance of responsible water resource management and climate-conscious practices.
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.
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 Fairfax Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cheat River At Albright | 1,080 cfs | → |
| Big Sandy Creek At Rockville | 91 cfs | → |
| Deckers Creek At Morgantown | 41 cfs | → |
| Three Fork Creek Nr Grafton | 73 cfs | → |
| Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton | 777 cfs | → |
| Tygart Valley River At Colfax | 767 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Fairfax Pond.
Boat launches
- Mon River Trail North Monongalia County
- Caperton Trail 371, Star City
- Mon River Trail South Marion County
- Point Marion
- Blue Trail Garrett County
- New Geneva
Campgrounds
- Coopers Rock State Forest
- Chestnut Ridge Regional Park
- Tygart Lake State Park
- Swallow Falls State Park
- Tall Oaks Campground
- Mason - Dixon Historical Park
Fishing spots
- Bruceton Mills Public Fishing Area
- Snowy Creek
- Deep Creek Lake
- Broadford Lake
- Little Youghiogheny River Reservoir
- Savage River Reservoir
Paddle runs
- Begins As River Passes Under The Herrington Manor Road Bridge At Oakland, Maryland To The Corporate Boundary Of Friendsville, Maryland
- Route 33/8 To Jobs Run Near Porterwood
- North Fork To Hickory Lick Run
- Otter Creek To Blackwater
- State Park Bridge To North Fork
- Begins Below The Youghiogheny River Lake Dam In Confluence, Pennsylvania To Ends In South Connellsville, Pennsylvania
Track Fairfax Pond in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Fairfax Pond
Where does the data for Fairfax Pond 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 High 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Fairfax Pond.