Cherry Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cherry Lake Dam, located in Hancock, West Virginia, along the Deep Gut Run river, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1972, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4 acres and a drainage area of 0.11 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Despite its recreational significance, Cherry Lake Dam has been classified as having a high hazard potential. It is regularly inspected by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to ensure its structural integrity and overall condition. The dam's last inspection was conducted in August 2004, with inspections scheduled every two years to monitor its safety measures.

Although the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the local regulatory agency, DWWM, ensures that proper enforcement and permitting practices are in place. With its strategic location and importance in the region's water resource management, Cherry Lake Dam remains a key infrastructure for both recreational activities and climate resilience efforts in West Virginia.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

165

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

DEEP GUT RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

35

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.