B & O Dam

LITTLE RACOON CREEK· Preston, West Virginia· Built 1904· Concrete· 41 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

B & O Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	41 ft (taller than 46.5% in WV)
Dam Length	358 ft
Dam Type	Concrete
Max Storage	105 acre-ft
Normal Storage	81 acre-ft

Surface Area	7 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
Year Completed	1904 (122 years old)
NID ID	WV07715

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: August 28, 2017

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

TOWN OF NEWBURG

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Fairfax Pond

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Upper Deckers No. 6

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High Hazard 24 ft

Upper Deckers No. 1

Preston, WV

High Hazard 46 ft

Upper Deckers No. 5

Preston, WV

High Hazard 53 ft

Leer Slurry Cell

Taylor, WV

High Hazard 250 ft

Paradise Lake

Monongalia, WV

Significant Hazard 16 ft

Wildwood Lake

Monongalia, WV

Significant Hazard 29 ft

Upper Deckers No. 7

Preston, WV

High Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of B & O Dam?

B & O Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates B & O Dam?

B & O Dam is owned by TOWN OF NEWBURG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was B & O Dam built?

B & O Dam was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 B & O Dam?

B & O Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is B & O Dam?

B & O Dam has a dam height of 41 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 B & O Dam last inspected?

B & O Dam was last inspected on August 28, 2017. 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.