Compressor Lake Dam
Compressor Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Hampshire County, West Virginia, built in 1971. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Compressor Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Compressor Lake 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 Hampshire Gas Co (public utility). It impounds the Grassy Lick near Kirby.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 530 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,223 square miles. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 08/31/2023.
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Location
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Hampshire |
| Nearest City | Kirby |
| River/Stream | Grassy Lick |
| Coordinates | 39.19340, -78.67070 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 530 ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,223 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | HAMPSHIRE GAS CO |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/31/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WV02703 |
| Federal ID | WV02703 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |