Buffalo Lake Dam

BUFFALO CREEK· Harrison, West Virginia· Built 1956· Earth· 50 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Buffalo Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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	50 ft (taller than 55.5% in WV)
Dam Length	780 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	1.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage	927 acre-ft

Surface Area	55 acres
Drainage Area	6 sq mi
Max Discharge	10,000 cfs
Year Completed	1956 (70 years old)
NID ID	WV03305

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: October 31, 2018

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

BUFFALO LAKE DEVELOPMENT LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Wilderness Water Park Dam

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Joyce Lake

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Hartland Dam

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Jackson Mill Dam

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Antero Resources Rossco Pond Dam

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Lake Floyd Dam

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Lower Salem Ws

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High Hazard 49 ft

Salem Fork No.9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buffalo Lake Dam?

Buffalo Lake 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 Buffalo Lake Dam?

Buffalo Lake Dam is owned by BUFFALO LAKE DEVELOPMENT LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buffalo Lake Dam built?

Buffalo Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Buffalo Lake Dam?

Buffalo Lake 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 Buffalo Lake Dam?

Buffalo Lake Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Buffalo Lake Dam last inspected?

Buffalo Lake Dam was last inspected on October 31, 2018. 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.