Lake Summit Dam

Unnamed tributary of Tomahawk Creek - VAHU6 JM10 Blackwater Creek· Lynchburg, Virginia· Earth· 28 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Summit Dam is classified as high hazard in Virginia. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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	28 ft (taller than 60.8% in VA)
Dam Length	410 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	111 acre-ft
Normal Storage	31 acre-ft

Surface Area	11 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	348 cfs
NID ID	VA680003

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 11, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Conservation and Recreation

Ownership

The Summit

Private

Nearby Dams

Poplar Forest Dam

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Swan Lake Dam

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Davis Lake Dam

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Lakeland Dam

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Lake Vista Dam #1

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Costran Art #2

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Fessler Dam

Bedford, VA

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Ivy Wolf Farm Dam

Bedford, VA

Unknown 29 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Summit Dam?

Lake Summit 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 Summit Dam?

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

What is the primary purpose of Lake Summit Dam?

Lake Summit Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Summit Dam?

Lake Summit Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Summit Dam last inspected?

Lake Summit Dam was last inspected on August 11, 2022. 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.