Mountain Valley Dam
Key Takeaway
Mountain Valley Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 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 | 37 ft (taller than 41.4% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 182 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | WV08905 |
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, WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Local Government
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High Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mountain Valley Dam?
Mountain Valley 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 Mountain Valley Dam?
Mountain Valley Dam is owned by WVDNR, WILDLIFE RESOURCES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mountain Valley Dam built?
Mountain Valley Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Mountain Valley Dam?
Mountain Valley 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 Mountain Valley Dam?
Mountain Valley Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Mountain Valley Dam last inspected?
Mountain Valley Dam was last inspected on February 26, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.