Lake Washington
Key Takeaway
Lake Washington is classified as significant hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 73 ft (taller than 74.7% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 497 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 730 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 103 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 32,118 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | WV10701 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
LAKE WASHINGTON CLUB
Private
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Significant Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Washington?
Lake Washington is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Washington?
Lake Washington is owned by LAKE WASHINGTON CLUB (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Washington built?
Lake Washington was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Lake Washington?
Lake Washington 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 Lake Washington?
Lake Washington has a dam height of 73 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 Washington last inspected?
Lake Washington was last inspected on March 28, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.