High Risk 🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control  ·  West Virginia

Summersville Dam WV

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE RISK PROFILE  ·  WEST VIRGINIA

7 / 10
Risk Score
Facility Type
🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Primary Risk Radius
20
mile zone
Secondary Risk Radius
100
mile zone

// Risk Intelligence

Risk Score7 / 10   High
Facility Type🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control
Operator / BranchUS Army Corps of Engineers
Host CountyNicholas County WV
Nearest CityWashington DC
Primary Risk Radius20 miles
Secondary Risk Radius100 miles

// Strategic Significance

Summersville Dam on the Gauley River is the largest dam in West Virginia and creates Summersville Lake. The dam provides flood control for the Gauley and Kanawha River valleys downstream including Charleston WV. Controlled releases for whitewater rafting make this dam economically significant.

// Civilian Impact Assessment

Charleston WV with 46,000 residents is 60 miles downstream on the Kanawha River. The 2014 Elk River chemical spill demonstrated the vulnerability of this water system.

// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance

US-19, West Virginia Route 129. Nicholas County Emergency Management coordinates with Army Corps.

// Counties Within Risk Zone