Holz Dam

SUGAR CAMP CR.· Kanawha, West Virginia· Built 1972· Rockfill· 203 ft tall

High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Holz Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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	203 ft (taller than 91.9% in WV)
Dam Length	1,500 ft
Dam Type	Rockfill
Max Storage	1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	140 acre-ft

Surface Area	26 acres
Drainage Area	64 sq mi
Year Completed	1972 (54 years old)
NID ID	WV03902

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: June 18, 2018

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION-SC

Private

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Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam

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Anderson Dam

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Cunningham Flyash Pond

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Finney Branch Embankment

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Graff/Lane Sw Dam

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Lake Chaweva Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Holz Dam?

Holz 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 Holz Dam?

Holz Dam is owned by UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION-SC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Holz Dam built?

Holz Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Holz Dam?

Holz Dam 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 Holz Dam?

Holz Dam has a dam height of 203 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 Holz Dam last inspected?

Holz Dam was last inspected on June 18, 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.