Howard Creek No. 12 Dam

Howard Creek No. 12 Dam is a rockfill dam located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, built in 1995. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Howard Creek No. 12 Dam

The primary purpose of Howard Creek No. 12 Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Greenbrier Valley Cd (local government). It impounds the Dry Creek near Tuckahoe.

The dam stands 87 feet tall and stretches 1,180 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 39 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 5,075 acre-feet. Completed in 1995, the structure is 31 years old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/30/2024.

At 87 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The West Virginia dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateWest Virginia
CountyGreenbrier
Nearest CityTuckahoe
River/StreamDry Creek
Coordinates37.74278, -80.27889

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeRockfill
NID Height87 ft
Dam Height87 ft
Dam Length1,180 ft
Year Completed1995 (31 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage5,075 acre-ft
Max Storage5,075 acre-ft
Normal Storage459 acre-ft
Surface Area39 acres
Max Discharge59,760 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerGreenbrier Valley CD
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection12/30/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDWV02507
Federal IDWV02507
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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