Winfield Water Supply Dam

Winfield Water Supply Dam is an earth dam located in Putnam County, West Virginia, built in 1973. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Winfield Water Supply Dam

The primary purpose of Winfield Water Supply Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Gary Young Jr. (private). It impounds the Little Hurricane Creek near Winfield.

The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 93 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 260 square miles. Completed in 1973, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 05/31/2024.

At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateWest Virginia
CountyPutnam
Nearest CityWinfield
River/StreamLittle Hurricane Creek
Coordinates38.51833, -81.89500

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height34 ft
Dam Height34 ft
Dam Length300 ft
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage93 acre-ft
Max Storage93 acre-ft
Normal Storage44 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area260 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerGARY YOUNG JR.
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection05/31/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDWV07901
Federal IDWV07901
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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