Lawsons Farm Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pocatalico No. 14 Charles Fork
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lawsons Farm Lake, located in Roane, West Virginia, is a privately owned recreational lake regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and offers a maximum storage capacity of 29.4 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 23 acre-feet, the lake covers an area of 2 acres and is fed by McKown Creek.
Despite being classified as having an undetermined hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Lawsons Farm Lake remains a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam has not been modified in recent years and is inspected regularly, with the last inspection taking place in June 2016. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the picturesque setting of Stringtown, West Virginia.
Although the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared or updated, it meets regulatory guidelines and has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification. With its serene surroundings and commitment to safety and maintenance, Lawsons Farm Lake stands as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
246 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
MCKOWN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
29.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elk River At Queen Shoals
|
995cfs |
Pocatalico River At Sissonville
|
177cfs |
W.Fork Little Kanawha River At Rocksdale
|
95cfs |
Elk River At Clay
|
11200cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
8480cfs |
Gauley River Above Belva
|
1610cfs |
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.
Lawsons Farm Lake