Potomac Creek Dam #1
Potomac Creek Dam #1 is an earth dam located in Stafford County, Virginia. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Potomac Creek Dam #1
The primary purpose of Potomac Creek Dam #1 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 Stafford Co. Board Of Supervisors (local government). It impounds the Potomac Creek.
The dam stands 94 feet tall and stretches 935 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 185 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 30 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 10/18/2019.
At 94 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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.
Location
| State | Virginia |
| County | Stafford |
| River/Stream | Potomac Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.38990, -77.47940 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 94 ft |
| Dam Height | 94 ft |
| Dam Length | 935 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 185 acres |
| Drainage Area | 30 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | Stafford Co. Board of Supervisors |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/18/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VA179002 |
| Federal ID | VA179002 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |