Albright Bridge Dam

CHEAT RIVER· Preston, West Virginia· Built 1950· Concrete· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Albright Bridge Dam is classified as significant hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 0.4% in WV)
Dam Length1,202 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage120 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area1,048 sq mi
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDWV07723

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 28, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

ALLEGHENY POWER

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Albright Bridge Dam?

Albright Bridge Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Albright Bridge Dam?

Albright Bridge Dam is owned by ALLEGHENY POWER (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Albright Bridge Dam built?

Albright Bridge Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Albright Bridge Dam?

Albright Bridge Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Albright Bridge Dam?

Albright Bridge Dam has a dam height of 8 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Albright Bridge Dam last inspected?

Albright Bridge Dam was last inspected on February 28, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.