Lake Frederick Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Frederick Dam, also known as Wheatlands, is a state-owned earth dam located in Frederick, Virginia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 74 feet and a length of 680 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 91 acres and a normal storage capacity of 2410 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Crooked Run, within the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of March 2020, Lake Frederick Dam poses a high hazard potential, requiring regular inspections and enforcement by state regulatory agencies. The dam has a storage capacity of 4300 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's designer, Hurt & Proffitt, Inc., ensures that it meets all state permitting and inspection requirements, contributing to the overall safety and functionality of the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Frederick Dam presents a fascinating engineering feat in its design and construction. As a key component of the water infrastructure in Frederick, Virginia, the dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a vital role in flood control and water storage. With its strategic location on Crooked Run and its significant storage capacity, Lake Frederick Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate patterns.

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

74

River Or Stream

Crooked Run

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

91

Hydraulic Height

74

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

4300

Structural Height

74

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

74
       
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.