Lost River #4 Dam
Key Takeaway
Lost River #4 Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1996 and is 30 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 91 ft (taller than 84.8% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 1,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 605 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 66 acres |
| Max Discharge | 99,796 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1996 (30 years old) |
| NID ID | WV03108 |
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
POTOMAC VALLEY SCD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lost River #4 Dam?
Lost River #4 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 Lost River #4 Dam?
Lost River #4 Dam is owned by POTOMAC VALLEY SCD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lost River #4 Dam built?
Lost River #4 Dam was completed in 1996, making it 30 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 Lost River #4 Dam?
Lost River #4 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lost River #4 Dam?
Lost River #4 Dam has a dam height of 91 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 Lost River #4 Dam last inspected?
Lost River #4 Dam was last inspected on September 1, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.