Pipestem Lake
Key Takeaway
Pipestem Lake is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 40 ft (taller than 44.9% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 307 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 410 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | WV08903 |
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
WVDNR, PARKS
State Government
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High Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pipestem Lake?
Pipestem Lake 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 Pipestem Lake?
Pipestem Lake is owned by WVDNR, PARKS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pipestem Lake built?
Pipestem Lake was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Pipestem Lake?
Pipestem Lake serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Pipestem Lake?
Pipestem Lake has a dam height of 40 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 Pipestem Lake last inspected?
Pipestem Lake was last inspected on May 9, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.