Dawson Dam
Key Takeaway
Dawson Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 2009 and is 17 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 | 33 ft (taller than 32.2% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 516 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 551 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 398 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 29 acres |
| Drainage Area | 235 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 2009 (17 years old) |
| NID ID | WV02508 |
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
DAWSON LAKE LLC
Private
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dawson Dam?
Dawson 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 Dawson Dam?
Dawson Dam is owned by DAWSON LAKE LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dawson Dam built?
Dawson Dam was completed in 2009, making it 17 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 Dawson Dam?
Dawson 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 Dawson Dam?
Dawson Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Dawson Dam last inspected?
Dawson Dam was last inspected on February 12, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.