Lake Forest Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Forest Dam, located in Jefferson, West Virginia, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.


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Summary

This dam, situated on Furnace Run, stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 77.3 acre-feet. With a surface area of 6.4 acres, Lake Forest Dam serves as a significant water management feature in the region, regulating water flow and providing vital storage for both normal and maximum storage needs.

Managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Lake Forest Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as per the latest assessment conducted in June 2015. Regular inspections are carried out every five years to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam. In the event of an emergency, there is an Emergency Action Plan in place, although the details of its last revision date are yet to be updated. Overall, Lake Forest Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the area, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding community in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

FURNACE RUN

Surface Area

6.4

Nid Storage

77.3

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.