Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam
Key Takeaway
Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 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 | 56 ft (taller than 61.2% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 14,647 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | WV02310 |
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
Patterson Creek No. 49 Dam
Grant, WV
High Hazard 48 ftPatterson Creek # 2 Dam
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High Hazard 58 ftPatterson Creek No. 1 Dam
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High Hazard 52 ftPatterson Creek No. 4 Dam
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High Hazard 69 ftPatterson Creek No. 41 Dam
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High Hazard 88 ftPatterson Creek No. 12 Dam
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High Hazard 75 ftPatterson Creek No. 13 Dam
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High Hazard 86 ftPatterson Creek No. 6 Dam
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High Hazard 82 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam?
Patterson Creek No. 3 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 Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam?
Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam is owned by POTOMAC VALLEY SCD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam built?
Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam?
Patterson Creek No. 3 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 Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam?
Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam has a dam height of 56 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 Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam last inspected?
Patterson Creek No. 3 Dam was last inspected on August 24, 2011. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.