Pocatalico Structure No.28
Pocatalico Structure No.28 is a rockfill dam located in Jackson County, West Virginia, built in 1987. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Pocatalico Structure No.28
The primary purpose of Pocatalico Structure No.28 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 Sissonville Psd (local government). It impounds the Middle Fork near Sissonville.
The dam stands 87 feet tall and stretches 403 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 244 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,859 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15 square miles. Completed in 1987, the structure is 39 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 03/31/2024.
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.
Location
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest City | Sissonville |
| River/Stream | Middle Fork |
| Coordinates | 38.61083, -81.58083 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 87 ft |
| Dam Height | 83 ft |
| Dam Length | 403 ft |
| Year Completed | 1987 (39 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 10,859 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 10,859 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 711 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 244 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,749 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | SISSONVILLE PSD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/31/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WV03526 |
| Federal ID | WV03526 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |