Bendale Dam

WEST FORK RIVER· Lewis, West Virginia· Built 1924· Concrete· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Bendale Dam is classified as low hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 3.7% in WV)
Dam Length158 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage180 acre-ft
Surface Area28 acres
Drainage Area104 sq mi
Max Discharge7,900 cfs
Year Completed1924 (102 years old)
NID IDWV04111

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 4, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

WEST VIRGINIA - AMERICAN WATER COMPANY

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bendale Dam?

Bendale Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bendale Dam?

Bendale Dam is owned by WEST VIRGINIA - AMERICAN WATER COMPANY (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bendale Dam built?

Bendale Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Bendale Dam?

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

How tall is Bendale Dam?

Bendale Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Bendale Dam last inspected?

Bendale Dam was last inspected on November 4, 2014. 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.