Lake Accotink dam study delayed

The evaluation of the Lake Accotink dam has been delayed, which means the water level won’t return to normal until the spring.

The Fairfax County Park Authority had expected the study to be completed by the end of November.

The water level in the lake is being lowered by up to five feet to facilitate inspection of the dam. Since Oct. 11, the water level has been lowered by approximately two feet, with the removal of debris along the top of the dam wall and flashboards.

Related story: Lake Accotink is being drained for an evaluation of the dam

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 it is safe to open the gates to drain the remaining water and complete the assessment.

The dive team is expected to 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 the dam assessment will be completed before the marina opens this spring. Until then, the marina and dam area will remain fenced off. Warning signs have been posted urging people to keep off the exposed lakebed to avoid getting stuck in the mud.