Flat Top Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Flat Top Lake Dam, located in Raleigh, West Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1950 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This 45-foot tall structure on Beaverpond Branch boasts a storage capacity of 4773 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2812.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 234 acres. Despite its significant recreational value, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, as assessed in 2010.

With a history of state regulation and inspection by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, including enforcement measures, Flat Top Lake Dam is subject to regular monitoring to ensure public safety. The dam's design and construction fall under state permitting and inspection requirements, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and management to mitigate risks associated with its aging infrastructure. Notably, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2016, reflecting efforts to enhance preparedness for potential incidents.

As a key feature in the region's water resource and climate landscape, Flat Top Lake Dam serves as both a recreational hub and a critical structure requiring vigilant oversight. Its location in Glade Creek highlights the interconnectedness of water bodies and the need for sustainable dam management practices to safeguard surrounding communities and ecosystems. Despite its age and condition challenges, the dam's significance underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safe operation in the face of evolving climate conditions.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

717

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

BEAVERPOND BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

234

Drainage Area

6.8

Nid Storage

4773

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.