Frigid January Causes Significant Damage at Leesylvania State Park Fishing Pier

Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.

“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”

Although the fishing area is closed, the rest of the park will remain open for visitors. However, Ashdown noted that the repairs might impact the upcoming night fishing programs scheduled for March. Efforts are underway to find an alternative location for these events.

Visitors should check the park’s website for updates before planning their trips.

As a reminder, water temperatures in the Potomac River are currently around 35°F at the Little Falls Pump Station, as the National Weather Service observed. Those planning to fish or visit the river should be mindful of these cold conditions.

January 2025 has been a frigid month for the region, with temperatures significantly below normal. Overall, the average monthly temperature was 29.8°F, 4.5°F colder than usual. There were several days with low temperatures dropping below freezing, including a particularly frigid day on January 21, when the high was just 20°F, and the low dropped to 11°F, a departure of -18.4°F from normal.

Snowfall was also a significant factor, with 8.9 inches recorded for the month, further contributing to the cold conditions.

For more information about Leesylvania State Park, visit the park’s webpage.