Little Beaver Dam
Key Takeaway
Little Beaver Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 | 23 ft (taller than 12.3% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 512 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 241 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 126 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | WV08107 |
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
WVDNR, PARKS
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of Little Beaver Dam?
Little Beaver 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 Little Beaver Dam?
Little Beaver Dam is owned by WVDNR, PARKS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Beaver Dam built?
Little Beaver Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Little Beaver Dam?
Little Beaver 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 Little Beaver Dam?
Little Beaver Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Little Beaver Dam last inspected?
Little Beaver Dam was last inspected on February 12, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.