Lake Fairfax Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Fairfax 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 | 32 ft (taller than 74.1% in VA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 487 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 182 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| NID ID | VA059010 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Fairfax County Park Authority
Local Government
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Unknown 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Fairfax Dam?
Lake Fairfax 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 Lake Fairfax Dam?
Lake Fairfax Dam is owned by Fairfax County Park Authority (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Lake Fairfax Dam?
Lake Fairfax 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 Lake Fairfax Dam?
Lake Fairfax Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Lake Fairfax Dam last inspected?
Lake Fairfax Dam was last inspected on August 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.