Tomlinson Run Dam
Tomlinson Run Dam is a gravity dam located in Hancock County, West Virginia, built in 1936. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Tomlinson Run Dam
The primary purpose of Tomlinson Run Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Wv Dnr, Parks & Recreation (state). It impounds the Tomlinson Run near New Manchester.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 190 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 532 acre-feet. Completed in 1936, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/30/2025.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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 | Hancock |
| Nearest City | New Manchester |
| River/Stream | Tomlinson Run |
| Coordinates | 40.54278, -80.59056 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 190 ft |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 532 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 532 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 325 acre-ft |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | WV DNR, Parks & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 06/30/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WV02902 |
| Federal ID | WV02902 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |