Pleasant Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pleasant Valley Lake Dam, also known as Kelchners Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Frederick, Virginia.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreation purposes and stands at 24 feet in height, with a length of 450 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 192 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres, drawing water from the TR-Furnace Branch river.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, its condition assessment remains unrated as of the last inspection in August 2010. With a designated emergency action plan and regular inspection frequency, Pleasant Valley Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and public safety in the region.

Although lacking in certain detailed information such as the year of completion and specific spillway type, Pleasant Valley Lake Dam stands as a vital structure within the Pittsburgh District of Virginia. With its picturesque location and essential role in providing recreational opportunities, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and public safety in the region.

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

TR-Furnace Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

3.65

Nid Storage

192

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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Area Campgrounds