This winter’s extreme cold caused the lake to freeze over and heavy snowfall further delayed progress on the dam assessment. With improved weather conditions, we have resumed lowering the lake and are working to schedule the inspection. If conditions remain favorable and no unexpected issues arise, the inspection is expected to be completed, and the lake will begin refilling in early to mid-spring. The time required for the lake to return to its normal level will depend on regional precipitation.

Earlier this fall, the Fairfax County Park Authority began an assessment of the Lake Accotink dam. Regular assessments of the dam structure are conducted every few years to evaluate structural integrity and identify any potential needs for maintenance and/or repair. Lowering the water level by up to 5 feet is necessary to perform an adequate inspection of the structure.

Since Oct. 11, the water level at the lake has been lowered by approximately 2 feet, with the removal of debris along the top of the dam wall and flashboards. Unfortunately, when divers inspected the sluice gates at the base of the dam, they found that a large amount of debris had accumulated. This debris must be removed before being able to safely operate the gates to drain the remaining water and to complete the assessment. We expect the evaluation of the dam to be completed in February 2025, weather permitting.

Once the dam assessment is complete, it may take up to two months for water levels to return to their original state, depending on weather conditions. The Park Authority anticipates that the dam assessment will be completed in advance of the spring opening of the marina. Until that time, the marina and dam area will continue to be fenced with warning signs in place to remind park patrons to keep off the exposed lakebed as a safety precaution.

Lake Accotink is located at 7500 Accotink Park Road in Springfield, Virginia. For more information about the project, please contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.