Pohick Creek Dam #7

Pohick Creek Dam #7 is an earth dam located in Fairfax County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Pohick Creek Dam #7

The primary purpose of Pohick Creek Dam #7 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors (local government). It impounds the Tr-pohick Creek.

The dam stands 47 feet tall and stretches 720 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 554 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/14/2021.

At 47 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateVirginia
CountyFairfax
River/StreamTr-pohick Creek
Coordinates38.79950, -77.27240

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height47 ft
Dam Height47 ft
Dam Length720 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage554 acre-ft
Max Storage554 acre-ft
Normal Storage190 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerFairfax County Board of Supervisors
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/14/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDVA059005
Federal IDVA059005
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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