Upper Deckers No. 5
Key Takeaway
Upper Deckers No. 5 is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 | 53 ft (taller than 58.6% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 472 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 662 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,830 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| NID ID | WV07710 |
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
Monongahela Conservation District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Fairfax Pond
Preston, WV
High Hazard 13 ftUpper Deckers No. 4
Preston, WV
High Hazard 39 ftUpper Deckers No. 6
Preston, WV
High Hazard 24 ftUpper Deckers No. 7
Preston, WV
High Hazard 13 ftUpper Deckers No. 3
Preston, WV
Low Hazard 13 ftUpper Deckers No. 2
Preston, WV
High Hazard 34 ftUpper Deckers No. 1
Preston, WV
High Hazard 46 ftLake O' Woods Dam
Preston, WV
High Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Deckers No. 5?
Upper Deckers No. 5 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 Upper Deckers No. 5?
Upper Deckers No. 5 is owned by Monongahela Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Deckers No. 5 built?
Upper Deckers No. 5 was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Upper Deckers No. 5?
Upper Deckers No. 5 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 Upper Deckers No. 5?
Upper Deckers No. 5 has a dam height of 53 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 Upper Deckers No. 5 last inspected?
Upper Deckers No. 5 was last inspected on July 31, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.