Mcelroy Run Dam

MCELROYS RUN· Pleasants, West Virginia· Built 1978· Other· 243 ft tall
High Hazard Tailings Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Mcelroy Run Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 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 243 ft (taller than 92.7% in WV)
Dam Length2,150 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage19.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area266 acres
Year Completed1978 (48 years old)
NID IDWV07302

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: September 7, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

ALLEGHENY POWER

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mcelroy Run Dam?

Mcelroy Run 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 Mcelroy Run Dam?

Mcelroy Run Dam is owned by ALLEGHENY POWER (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mcelroy Run Dam built?

Mcelroy Run Dam was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Mcelroy Run Dam?

Mcelroy Run 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 Mcelroy Run Dam?

Mcelroy Run Dam has a dam height of 243 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 Mcelroy Run Dam last inspected?

Mcelroy Run Dam was last inspected on September 7, 2016. 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.