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. It is expected that the dive team will be able to return and complete the work this winter.
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.