Summersville Dam, also known as Summersville Lake, is a federal-owned rockfill dam located on the Gauley River in West Virginia.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1965, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with additional purposes including fish and wildlife pond, hydroelectric, and recreation. With a structural height of 390 feet and a storage capacity of 413,400 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of flooding to downstream communities, although some risk still remains due to the potential for spillway erosion and uncontrolled release of the pool.
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and regulation of Summersville Dam. The dam is regularly inspected, monitored, and maintained to manage risks effectively. USACE collaborates with local emergency management entities and conducts dam safety training to ensure preparedness for any emergency situations. In the event of unacceptable risks, USACE implements short- and long-term actions to mitigate them, prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities and the environment.
Despite the moderate risk assessment based on the most recent evaluation, Summersville Dam remains a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. The dam's risk management measures, including routine inspections, continuous monitoring, and emergency response planning, demonstrate USACE's commitment to ensuring the dam's safety and the protection of downstream areas from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
2280 |
River Or Stream |
GAULEY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
2790 |
Hydraulic Height |
327 |
Drainage Area |
803 |
Nid Storage |
413400 |
Structural Height |
390 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
390 |
Peters Creek Near Lockwood
|
46cfs |
Meadow River At Nallen
|
304cfs |
Gauley River Near Craigsville
|
568cfs |
Gauley River Above Belva
|
1350cfs |
Kanawha River At Kanawha Falls
|
5290cfs |
Elk River At Clay
|
11200cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Battle Run Campground
|
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Battle Run
|
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Mountain Lake Campground
|
||
Carnifex Ferry Cabins
|
||
Gauley River Wild & Woolly Primitive Campground
|
||
Ray's Campground
|