Turkey Run Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Porter Lake Dam Racine Locks And Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Turkey Run Lake, located in Ravenswood, West Virginia, is a state-owned reservoir built in 1964 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 33 feet tall and 1000 feet long, impounds the waters of Turkey Run, offering visitors a serene escape surrounded by nature. With a storage capacity of 340 acre-feet, the lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
Despite its importance for recreation, Turkey Run Lake is classified as having a high hazard potential, indicating the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. The dam's condition was last assessed as fair in 2015, with inspection frequency set at every 2 years. While the dam meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement, the potential risks associated with its high hazard classification highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to protect both the reservoir and the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Turkey Run Lake serves as a fascinating case study in the intersection of human development and environmental stewardship. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like Turkey Run become increasingly vital to ensure their long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving environmental pressures. By understanding the complexities of managing these critical water infrastructure systems, enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of balancing human needs with ecological health in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TURKEY RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
340 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Turkey Run Lake