Sleepy Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sleepy Creek Dam, located in Berkeley, West Virginia, is a state-owned earth dam completed in 1962 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 38 feet and a hydraulic height of 33 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 4890 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2460 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 1100 feet and creates a surface area of 225 acres along Meadow Branch.

Managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Sleepy Creek Dam is inspected every two years and has been assessed to have a satisfactory condition as of November 2016, despite its high hazard potential. The dam's Emergency Action Plan was last revised in January 2020, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to respond to any potential risks. With its serene location near Michael's Chapel and its importance for water resource management and climate resilience, Sleepy Creek Dam continues to play a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while safeguarding the surrounding area from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

MEADOW BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

225

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

9.09

Nid Storage

4890

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

38
       
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.