Franklin Racey Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Franklin Racey Dam, located in Frederick, Virginia, is a privately-owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 31 feet and with a length of 300 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 28.15 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 20.5 acre-feet. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, the dam has not been inspected in recent years, indicating a potential need for further evaluation and maintenance.

Situated within the Baltimore District, Franklin Racey Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. With a surface area of 1.9 acres, the dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water supply. As a significant feature in the local landscape, the dam's condition and safety measures are essential for ensuring the protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk assessments.

While the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures remain unclear, the presence of emergency contacts and inundation maps prepared could indicate a readiness for potential hazards. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, Franklin Racey Dam's role in safeguarding against floods and ensuring water availability underscores the need for proactive maintenance and monitoring to enhance resilience in the face of evolving environmental pressures.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

31

Surface Area

1.9

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

28.15

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

31
       
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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