Lake Serene Dam

Babbs Run· Frederick, Virginia· Earth· 24 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Serene Dam 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	24 ft (taller than 42.5% in VA)
Dam Length	350 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	400 acre-ft
Normal Storage	174 acre-ft

Surface Area	22 acres
Drainage Area	5 sq mi
NID ID	VA069001

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 7, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

Lake Serene, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Silver Lake Dam

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 30 ft

Lake St. Clair Dam

Frederick, VA

Significant Hazard 23 ft

Daniel Sullivan Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 31 ft

Vansickler Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Mhc Regency Lakes Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 18 ft

Lake Holiday Dam

Frederick, VA

High Hazard 102 ft

Franklin Racey Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 31 ft

Summit Golf Dam

Frederick, VA

Unknown 33 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Serene Dam?

Lake Serene Dam 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 Lake Serene Dam?

Lake Serene Dam is owned by Lake Serene, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Lake Serene Dam?

Lake Serene Dam 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 Lake Serene Dam?

Lake Serene Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Lake Serene Dam last inspected?

Lake Serene Dam was last inspected on August 7, 2019. 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.