Lake Shenandoah Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jmu Amphitheatre Dam Newman Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Shenandoah Dam, located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, serves as a vital water resource and recreational hub for the community.
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Summary
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a storage capacity of 720 acre-feet, providing essential water for the surrounding area. Despite its crucial role, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, with a high hazard potential, indicating the need for immediate attention and potential maintenance to ensure its structural integrity.
With a primary purpose of recreation, Lake Shenandoah Dam offers a serene setting for outdoor activities and water sports, attracting visitors from near and far. The dam, built on Congers Run and North River-Mill Creek, covers a surface area of 36 acres and boasts a drainage area of 4.5 square miles. However, the dam's inspection frequency of once a year, coupled with its poor condition assessment, raises concerns about its long-term sustainability and safety.
The recent inspection in March 2020 revealed the dam's deteriorating condition, prompting a call for enhanced risk management measures and potential emergency action preparedness. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like Lake Shenandoah Dam are paramount in safeguarding both the environment and the community's well-being. Addressing the dam's poor condition and high hazard potential is essential to ensure the continued availability of water resources and the safety of all who enjoy this picturesque recreation spot.
Dam Length |
315 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
Congers Run - VAHU6 PS26 North River - Mill Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
4.5 |
Nid Storage |
720 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North River Near Burketown
|
80cfs |
S F Shenandoah River Near Lynnwood
|
278cfs |
Middle River Near Grottoes
|
101cfs |
Muddy Creek At Mount Clinton
|
2cfs |
South River At Harriston
|
85cfs |
Linville Creek At Broadway
|
7cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Boone Shelter
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Camp Site
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Dundo
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Lake Shenandoah Dam