Lusk Reservoir

Lusk Reservoir is located next to Michie Stadium at the United States [Military Academy] at West Point. It is open for fishing in the Spring and early Fall, and usually freezes over during the winter months. The volume of the reservoir is required knowledge of all freshmen at the Military Academy. It is one aspect of what is known as 'Academy Heritage'. When asked the question: "How many gallons in Lusk Reservoir?" plebes are expected to respond " when the water is flowing over the spillway." The proper answer had been until construction of Michie Stadium reduced it to its current size. Its surface elevation is 327 feet above sea level.
Prior to 1930, the school's ice hockey team used the reservoir as their home rink during the winter months. This practice was discontinued after the construction of the Smith Rink.
The reservoir was constructed by Captain James L. Lusk in 1895. In the spring of 2006, the dam underwent its first cleaning in 111 years by the US Army Corps of Engineers.