Summit Lake
Key Takeaway
Summit Lake is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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 | 34 ft (taller than 33.3% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 1,375 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 613 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,352 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | WV02505 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Summit Lake?
Summit 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 Summit Lake?
Summit Lake is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Summit Lake built?
Summit Lake was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Summit Lake?
Summit Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Summit Lake?
Summit Lake has a dam height of 34 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 Summit Lake last inspected?
Summit Lake was last inspected on November 20, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.