Lake Riley

MURPHY CREEK· Lewis, West Virginia· Built 1948· Earth· 28 ft tall
Unknown Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Riley is classified as unknown in West Virginia. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 21.1% in WV)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage93 acre-ft
Normal Storage64 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDWV04112

Safety Information

Unknown

Hazard potential has not been determined.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 15, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

WACO OIL & GAS COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Riley?

Lake Riley is classified as Unknown. Hazard potential has not been determined. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Riley?

Lake Riley is owned by WACO OIL & GAS COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Riley built?

Lake Riley was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Riley?

Lake Riley 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 Riley?

Lake Riley 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 Lake Riley last inspected?

Lake Riley was last inspected on April 15, 2015. 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.