The Summit - Dam A1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

The Summit - Dam A1, located in Fayette, West Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2013 for recreational purposes along the Barren Branch river.


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Summary

Standing at 40 feet tall and spanning 872.5 feet in length, this dam provides a storage capacity of 939 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 358.4 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, recent inspections have deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, ensuring its safety for both visitors and the surrounding environment.

Managed by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, Dam A1 is subject to state regulations and inspections, guaranteeing its compliance with safety standards. The dam's location in Thurmond, amidst a pristine natural setting, offers a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. With its low spillway width and absence of locks, visitors can enjoy the serenity of the dam's surroundings while appreciating the vital role it plays in water resource management.

As a key part of the water infrastructure in the region, The Summit - Dam A1 serves as a symbol of responsible water resource development and conservation. Its completion in 2013 marked a milestone in enhancing recreational opportunities while balancing the need for water storage and management. With ongoing inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource practices in promoting both environmental protection and public enjoyment.

Year Completed

2013

Dam Length

872.5

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

BARREN BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

51

Drainage Area

474

Nid Storage

939

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.