Chippewa Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Chippewa Lake in Preston, West Virginia, is a privately owned reservoir primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at 34 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 288 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 20 acres, Chippewa Lake offers a serene setting for water enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Despite its recreational appeal, Chippewa Lake has been flagged for significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in April 2014 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting concerns about its safety and long-term viability. With a designated inspection frequency of every 3 years, ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades may be necessary to ensure the dam's structural integrity and public safety.
This picturesque lake's proximity to Laurel Run and Kingwood adds to its appeal for visitors seeking a tranquil escape into nature. However, with a history of poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential, stakeholders and regulatory agencies will need to address these concerns to preserve the recreational value and safety of Chippewa Lake for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
LAUREL RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
288 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cheat River At Albright
|
1410cfs |
Big Sandy Creek At Rockville
|
138cfs |
Deckers Creek At Morgantown
|
43cfs |
Youghiogheny River Near Oakland
|
108cfs |
Youghiogheny River At Friendsville
|
182cfs |
Bear Creek At Friendsville
|
8cfs |
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.
Chippewa Lake