Plum Orchard Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Plum Orchard Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 52 ft (taller than 57.5% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 166 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | WV01902 |
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
State Government
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High Hazard 81 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Plum Orchard Lake Dam?
Plum Orchard Lake 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 Plum Orchard Lake Dam?
Plum Orchard Lake Dam is owned by WVDNR, WILDLIFE RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Plum Orchard Lake Dam built?
Plum Orchard Lake Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Plum Orchard Lake Dam?
Plum Orchard Lake 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 Plum Orchard Lake Dam?
Plum Orchard Lake Dam has a dam height of 52 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 Plum Orchard Lake Dam last inspected?
Plum Orchard Lake Dam was last inspected on February 26, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.