Canyonlands National Park | Moab

Sutton Dam is a concrete gravity dam located on the Elk River near Sutton, West Virginia.

Visual Characteristics

The dam structure is composed of concrete and earthfill. The concrete spillway section measures 1,175 feet in length and 110 feet in height. The earthfill embankment extends 2,100 feet, with a maximum height of 110 feet. The reservoir, Sutton Lake, has a shoreline of approximately 40 miles.

Location & Access Logistics

Sutton Dam is situated approximately 3 miles west of Sutton, West Virginia. Access is via State Route 19. From the intersection of I-79 and State Route 19, travel west on State Route 19 for approximately 3 miles. Parking is available at designated areas near the dam and along the lake shoreline. Public transportation is not available to the dam site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Sutton Dam began in 1949 and was completed in 1961. It was authorized by the U.S. Congress as part of the Flood Control Act of 1938. The primary purpose of the dam is flood control for downstream communities along the Elk River and Kanawha River. The dam impounds the Elk River, creating Sutton Lake.

Key Highlights & Activities

Boating is permitted on Sutton Lake. Fishing is available, with species including bass, crappie, and catfish. Hiking trails are present around the lake. Observation areas provide views of the dam structure and the Elk River.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at designated recreation areas around Sutton Lake. Shade structures are present in some picnic areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity of the dam and developed recreation areas, but can be intermittent in more remote sections of the lake. Food vendors are not located directly at the dam, but are available in the nearby town of Sutton.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the dam structure is generally in the morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides more defined shadows. The months of May through October offer the most favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities. High tide is not a relevant factor for visiting the dam itself.

Facts & Legends

During construction, a significant portion of the original town of Sutton was relocated to make way for the reservoir. A local anecdote suggests that during periods of extremely low water levels, remnants of the old town's foundations can be observed on the lakebed.

Nearby Landmarks

• Hawks Nest State Park (25km Southwest)
• Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park (30km South)
• Gauley River National Recreation Area (40km South)
• Blackwater Falls State Park (90km East)