Barcroft Dam

Holmes Run· Fairfax, Virginia· Gravity· 69 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Barcroft Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	69 ft (taller than 96.9% in VA)
Dam Length	500 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	3.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	2.5K acre-ft

Surface Area	154 acres
Drainage Area	15 sq mi
NID ID	VA059001

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: April 11, 2023

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Lake Barcroft Watershed Improv. Dist.

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Barcroft Dam?

Barcroft Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Barcroft Dam?

Barcroft Dam is owned by Lake Barcroft Watershed Improv. Dist. (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Barcroft Dam?

Barcroft Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Barcroft Dam?

Barcroft Dam has a dam height of 69 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Barcroft Dam last inspected?

Barcroft Dam was last inspected on April 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.