Berwind Lake
Key Takeaway
Berwind Lake is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. 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 | 32 ft (taller than 29.3% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 251 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 521 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 248 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | WV04702 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
WVDNR, PARKS
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Berwind Lake?
Berwind Lake 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 Berwind Lake?
Berwind Lake is owned by WVDNR, PARKS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Berwind Lake built?
Berwind Lake was completed in 1959, making it 67 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Berwind Lake?
Berwind Lake 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 Berwind Lake?
Berwind Lake has a dam height of 32 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 Berwind Lake last inspected?
Berwind Lake was last inspected on December 19, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.