Big Ditch Lake No. 1
Key Takeaway
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 is classified as significant hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 24 ft (taller than 14.1% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 412 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,830 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | WV10102 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ELK SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Ditch Lake No. 1?
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 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 Big Ditch Lake No. 1?
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 is owned by ELK SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Ditch Lake No. 1 built?
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Big Ditch Lake No. 1?
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Ditch Lake No. 1?
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 has a dam height of 24 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 Big Ditch Lake No. 1 last inspected?
Big Ditch Lake No. 1 was last inspected on April 17, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.