If Montclair has a 100-year storm, the spillway will be able to accommodate it.
Lake Montclair was lowered to just 20 feet this past summer, leaving residents who are used to summer swimming and boating on high and dry.
The lake’s spillway, an area designed for lake water to spill over the top of a dam in the event of a heavy rainstorm- needed to be fixed. The spillway needed to be widened and deepened and a cutback protection wall was installed underground  – as Lake Montclair also underwent changes to meet the state standards for dam safety regulations.
The repairs come after the state recently changed the “maximum probable precipitation” standards, an estimate to how much rain could fall during a massive storm such as a hurricane.
The values from the 1970’s were 28, 33, and 37 inches of rainfall in 6, 12, and 24 hour time brackets. A study was done by the state and the numbers were updated in 2016 to 26.3 and 30.1 inches for 6, 12, and 24 hour periods based on historical data. Lake Montclair did not meet the new standards.
The updated standards help to ensure the dam doesn’t burst during periods of heavy rain.
The Montclair Property Owners Association also had to widen and deepen the lake and also installed a cutback protection wall – a big concrete wall designed to stop erosion so the lake doesn’t drain into the spillway, said Justin Field, with MPOA.
With the repairs complete, it took about three weeks for the water levels to return to normal.
Maintaining the spillway is a big deal for the surrounding area, Field explained. Lake Montclair is part of the Powell’s Creek watershed, which, according to the Prince William Conservation Alliance, “begins near Independent Hill and flows past the Prince William landfill on Route 234, then on to  Montclair, where it meets the dam that forms Lake Montclair.”
If the dam were to break, that would spell disaster for nearby neighborhoods. Â
“There are almost 400 occupied structures that would be damaged, flooded – Route 1 would be affected, I-95 would be affected, all the way out into the Potomac River. So that’s the importance of good upkeep on our dam which we do, and then making sure our spillway met all the requirements that it needed to meet.”
Richard Arvin, Chairman of the Montclair Lake Management Committee, is one of a group of volunteers who manage the maintenance and ecology of the lake. Arvin has lived near the lake for about 15 years.
Many residents complained while the lake was dry. One of the fears from residents was that fish would be killed.
That didn’t happen.
“We did not have a fish kill. We didn’t kill anything off.” Arvin said. Arvin explained that they had discussed the impact to wildlife with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and they weren’t concerned.
With the low lake level, he also said it was an opportunity to get some projects done that they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.  The association repaired swim platforms, added new fish, held a lake clean up, and a lot of residents repaired their docks. “So there [were] some advantages,” Arvin said.
They also found a sunken pontoon boat at the bottom of the lake.
Despite the inconvenience for those who wanted to enjoy the lake, Field said summer was the best time to close the lake. The warm weather was a benefit because of the backfill material that needed to dry out.
He also explained they didn’t want to risk running into delays during colder weather that would cause the project to go into the next summer. This way, they figured they could just affect one season of recreation rather than several.
“We bit the bullet, understanding it was going to be an inconvenience but the summertime was the best time for us to do it, get it done, so we that could enjoy [one] compliance with the new state regulations, and then just have our lake back next summer for a full recreation season.” Field said.
This should be the last time the lake will be lowered to this extent. Other than the annual lowering of around three feet that happens near Thanksgiving, Field said they don’t foresee the lake to be lowered to anything near the level it was lowered during this project.
The 108-acre lake sinks 54 feet at its deepest point.
Recent Stories
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.Â
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
