Buffalo Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Joyce Lake Wilderness Water Park Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Buffalo Lake Dam, also known as Clarksburg WS Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Harrison County, West Virginia.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a hydraulic height of 47 feet. It serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 1535 acre-feet and a surface area of 55 acres. Buffalo Lake Dam sits on Buffalo Creek and is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
Despite being designated as having a high hazard potential, Buffalo Lake Dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of April 2013. Regular inspections occur every two years, with the most recent inspection taking place in January 2016. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 10,000 cubic feet per second and is equipped with outlet gates for controlled water release. With its scenic location and ample storage capacity, Buffalo Lake Dam continues to be a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Clarksburg area.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
55 |
Hydraulic Height |
47 |
Drainage Area |
5.5 |
Nid Storage |
1535 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
50 |
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Buffalo Lake Dam