Lake Trotter Reservoir Report
Nearby: Charles Fork Miletree Run Dam No. 2
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Trotter, located in Roane, West Virginia, is a significant earth dam with a height of 27 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this dam serves multiple purposes and has a storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Despite its importance, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential.
Managed by the local government, Lake Trotter is regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management. This dam, situated on the Lick Fork river, covers a surface area of 5 acres and has a drainage area of 0.58 square miles. Despite its poor condition, the dam has storage capacity for 39 acre-feet of water, highlighting the critical need for inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
With a historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, Lake Trotter serves as a vital water resource in the region. However, its poor condition and significant hazard potential underscore the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the local residents and the environment. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should monitor the developments at Lake Trotter to support efforts in enhancing its structural integrity and functionality.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
229 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
LICK FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
0.58 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
W.Fork Little Kanawha River At Rocksdale
|
95cfs |
Little Kanawha River At Palestine
|
1670cfs |
Elk River At Queen Shoals
|
995cfs |
Pocatalico River At Sissonville
|
177cfs |
Elk River At Clay
|
11200cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
8480cfs |
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.
Lake Trotter