Ward Impoundment (lower) Dam

About Ward Impoundment (lower) Dam

The primary purpose of Ward Impoundment (lower) Dam is tailings. Tailings dams contain waste material from mining operations — typically a slurry of finely ground rock left over after valuable minerals have been extracted. These structures require ongoing monitoring because tailings can contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The dam is owned by Union Carbide Corporation (private). It impounds the Kanawha River near South Charleston.

The dam stands 152 feet tall and stretches 770 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,050 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 327 square miles.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 08/31/2025.

At 152 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.

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