Cove Dam #2

TR-Laurel Run· Frederick, Virginia· Earth· 43 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cove Dam #2 is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	43 ft (taller than 89.5% in VA)
Dam Length	500 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	309 acre-ft
Normal Storage	208 acre-ft

Surface Area	16 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
NID ID	VA069011

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: August 1, 2017

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Alexander W. K. McDowell

Private

Nearby Dams

Daniel Mcdowell Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 19 ft

Cove Lake Dam #1

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 27 ft

Unimin Fresh Water Dam

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 46 ft

Cove Ridge Tailing Pond

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 60 ft

Unimin Tailings Dam

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 96 ft

Cherokee Dam

Frederick, VA

Significant Hazard 46 ft

Lake Isaac Dam

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 39 ft

Qst LLC Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cove Dam #2?

Cove Dam #2 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cove Dam #2?

Cove Dam #2 is owned by Alexander W. K. McDowell (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Cove Dam #2?

Cove Dam #2 serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cove Dam #2?

Cove Dam #2 has a dam height of 43 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Cove Dam #2 last inspected?

Cove Dam #2 was last inspected on August 1, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.