Chatham Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Chatham Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 2003 and is 23 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 64 ft (taller than 67% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 665 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2003 (23 years old) |
| NID ID | WV08125 |
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
GLADE SPRINGS RESORT
Private
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High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chatham Lake Dam?
Chatham 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 Chatham Lake Dam?
Chatham Lake Dam is owned by GLADE SPRINGS RESORT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chatham Lake Dam built?
Chatham Lake Dam was completed in 2003, making it 23 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 Chatham Lake Dam?
Chatham Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Chatham Lake Dam?
Chatham Lake Dam has a dam height of 64 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 Chatham Lake Dam last inspected?
Chatham Lake Dam was last inspected on February 11, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.