Lake O' Woods Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake O' Woods Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 | 26 ft (taller than 17.6% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 460 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 82 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | WV07703 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
LAKE O'WOODS CLUB, INC.
Private
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High Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake O' Woods Dam?
Lake O' Woods 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 Lake O' Woods Dam?
Lake O' Woods Dam is owned by LAKE O'WOODS CLUB, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake O' Woods Dam built?
Lake O' Woods Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Lake O' Woods Dam?
Lake O' Woods Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake O' Woods Dam?
Lake O' Woods Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Lake O' Woods Dam last inspected?
Lake O' Woods Dam was last inspected on September 30, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.