Summersville Dam Viewpoint WV
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Description: The Summersville Dam, also known as the Summersville Lake Dam, is a significant hydroelectric and flood control dam located in West Virginia, USA. Here are some key details about the Summersville Dam: Location: The Summersville Dam is situated on the Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It is part of the larger Gauley River National Recreation Area. Purpose: The primary purposes of the dam are flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. It was constructed to reduce the risk of flooding downstream on the Gauley and Kanawha Rivers and to provide a reservoir for various recreational activities. Construction: The dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in 1966. It is an earth and rockfill dam with a concrete spillway and is considered one of the largest rockfill dams in the eastern United States. Reservoir: The dam impounds the Gauley River to create Summersville Lake, which is a large reservoir known for its clear waters and scenic beauty. The lake spans approximately 2,700 acres and has over 60 miles of shoreline. Recreation: Summersville Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and picnicking in the surrounding area. The lake is particularly well-known for its rock climbing and scuba diving opportunities. Hydroelectric Power: The dam includes a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity by releasing water from the reservoir through turbines. It is one of several hydroelectric facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the region. Gauley Season: The dam is also famous for its role in creating the Gauley Season, an annual event when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases water from the dam into the Gauley River. This controlled release creates challenging whitewater rapids that attract rafters and kayakers from around the world.