Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam
Key Takeaway
Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam is classified as significant hazard in West Virginia. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 152 ft (taller than 90.5% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 770 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 328 sq mi |
| NID ID | WV03931 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Ward Impoundment (Upper) Dam
Kanawha, WV
High Hazard 139 ftHolz Dam
Kanawha, WV
High Hazard 203 ftFly Ash Settling Basin Dam
Kanawha, WV
High Hazard 28 ftAnderson Dam
Kanawha, WV
High Hazard 39 ftCunningham Flyash Pond
Kanawha, WV
Significant Hazard 31 ftFinney Branch Embankment
Kanawha, WV
Significant Hazard 28 ftGraff/Lane Sw Dam
Kanawha, WV
High HazardLake Chaweva Dam
Kanawha, WV
High Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam?
Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam?
Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam is owned by UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam?
Ward Impoundment (Lower) 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 Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam?
Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam has a dam height of 152 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 Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam last inspected?
Ward Impoundment (Lower) Dam was last inspected on January 24, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.