Lower Lakes Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Lower Lakes Dam, also known as Lake View Farms, is a private dam located in Hanover, Virginia, along the Dog Branch River.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam stands at 21 feet high and stretches 600 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 78 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12.9 acres.
Regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, Lower Lakes Dam poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of August 2020. The dam is inspected annually, with the last assessment taking place in August 2020. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it meets state regulations for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Given its location in a recreational area, Lower Lakes Dam serves as an important water resource for the community, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. With proper maintenance and oversight, this dam continues to provide both enjoyment and essential water storage for the surrounding area.
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
Dog Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lower Lakes Dam