Summersville Dam in Nicholas County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Running the River
Why Howell-Bunger Valves?
— Summersville Lake —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019
1. Running the River Interpretive Panel
1) Only a relatively small force is required to move the valve.
2) Excellent flow regulation over a wide range of discharges can easily be obtained.
3) Ability to oxygenate water, benefiting downstream ecosystems.
At the time of installation the Howell-Bunger valves were the largest valves of their type. They are now referred to as “fixed-cone valves.”
Summersville Lake now harnesses the Gauley River thanks to the dam and the Howell-Bunger valves. Completed on March 23, 1966, the outlet structure continues to control the flow of water from the lake. Shortly after they were put into operation, the Howell-Bunger valves suffered fatigue type failure and had to be replaced. The 1966 valve model was replaced with the new, thicker and stronger 1969 valve model. Two new valves were installed in 2012 and 2017.
Diameter: 9 feet
Weight: 66,100 pounds or 30 tons
Maximum Flow: 6,500 cubic feet per second or 48,625 gallons per second.
Erected by Army Corps of Engineers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1966.
Location. 38° 13.37′ N, 80° 53.219′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Flood Control (here, next to this marker); Summersville Reservoir (within shouting distance of this marker); Hawks Nest Workers Memorial and Grave Site (approx. 2 miles away); Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster Workers Grave Site (approx. 2.1 miles away); Hughes Ferry / Bridge (approx. 2.2 miles away); Fight At Ramsey’s Fort (approx. 2.4 miles away); Kesslers Cross Lanes (approx. 2˝ miles away); Cross Lanes Battle (approx. 2.7 miles away).
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019
2. Howell Bunger Valve and Interpretive Panel
In the distance is the Flood Control Interpretive Panel
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019
3. Howell Bunger Valve and its Interpretive Panel
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019
4. Location of the Operational Valve
View from the valve exhibit, looking down from the dam’s edge to the river below.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019
5. Summersville Lake
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 19, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
