Watoga Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Watoga Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 42 ft (taller than 48% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 247 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 432 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 170 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,641 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | WV07501 |
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
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watoga Lake Dam?
Watoga Lake 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 Watoga Lake Dam?
Watoga Lake Dam is owned by WVDNR, PARKS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watoga Lake Dam built?
Watoga Lake Dam was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Watoga Lake Dam?
Watoga Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Watoga Lake Dam?
Watoga Lake Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Watoga Lake Dam last inspected?
Watoga Lake Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.