Sutton Lake and Dam
Introduction
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Images
Photo courtesy of e-WV, The West Virginia Encyclopedia
Backstory and Context
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Sutton Dam is located in Sutton, WV, and impounds the Elk River. The dam is 210 feet tall and spans the river at a length of 1,178 feet. The lake that is created from the dam reaches 112 feet in depth and covers 1,520 acres1.
Construction on Sutton Dam did not start until 1956, which was four years after planning began due to the Korean War. The dam, constructed solely out of concrete, was built and is still operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers1.
The purpose of Sutton Dam was to help control flooding along the Elk River. Sutton Dam has several recreation areas, including campgrounds, marinas and ramps so that fishermen and boating enthusiasts can launch their boats. Hunting is allowed within the property boundaries.1 Sutton Dam also benefits downstream fishing, as warmer water at the top of the lake instead of the colder water at the bottom can be drawn, improving the overall growth in fish population1.