Mcelroy Run Dam
Mcelroy Run Dam is an other dam located in Pleasants County, West Virginia, built in 1978. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mcelroy Run Dam
The primary purpose of Mcelroy Run 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 public utility-owned. It impounds the Mcelroys Run near Eureka.
The dam stands 243 feet tall and stretches 2,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 266 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 19,896 acre-feet. Completed in 1978, the structure is 48 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 02/28/2025.
At 243 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Pleasants |
| Nearest City | Eureka |
| River/Stream | Mcelroys Run |
| Coordinates | 39.36444, -81.27444 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 243 ft |
| Dam Height | 243 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 19,896 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 19,896 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 266 acres |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Tailings |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/28/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WV07302 |
| Federal ID | WV07302 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |