Terra Alta Lake
Key Takeaway
Terra Alta Lake is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1820 and is 206 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 | 15 ft (taller than 5.1% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 147 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 188 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 144 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 31 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1820 (206 years old) |
| NID ID | WV07721 |
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
CAMP GALILEE, INC.
Private
Nearby Dams
Alpine Lake
Preston, WV
High Hazard 35 ftHerrington Manor
Garrett, MD
Low Hazard 24 ftLittle Youghiogheny Site 1
Garrett, MD
High Hazard 33 ftAlbright Bridge Dam
Preston, WV
Significant Hazard 8 ftLittle Youghiogheny Site 3
Garrett, MD
High Hazard 35 ftLittle Youghiogheny Site 2
Garrett, MD
High Hazard 35 ftDeep Creek Dam
Garrett, MD
High Hazard 85 ftLittle Youghiogheny Site 6 (Broadford)
Garrett, MD
High Hazard 46 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Terra Alta Lake?
Terra Alta 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 Terra Alta Lake?
Terra Alta Lake is owned by CAMP GALILEE, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Terra Alta Lake built?
Terra Alta Lake was completed in 1820, making it 206 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 Terra Alta Lake?
Terra Alta Lake 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 Terra Alta Lake?
Terra Alta Lake has a dam height of 15 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 Terra Alta Lake last inspected?
Terra Alta Lake was last inspected on April 30, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.