Finney Branch Embankment

FINNEY BRANCH· Kanawha, West Virginia· Built 1971· Other· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Finney Branch Embankment is classified as significant hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 21.1% in WV)
Dam Length650 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Year Completed1971 (55 years old)
NID IDWV03923

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: March 27, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

HATFIELD ENTERPRISES

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Finney Branch Embankment?

Finney Branch Embankment 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 Finney Branch Embankment?

Finney Branch Embankment is owned by HATFIELD ENTERPRISES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Finney Branch Embankment built?

Finney Branch Embankment was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Finney Branch Embankment?

Finney Branch Embankment serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Finney Branch Embankment?

Finney Branch Embankment has a dam height of 28 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 Finney Branch Embankment last inspected?

Finney Branch Embankment was last inspected on March 27, 2018. 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.