Fresh Water Impoundment

Fresh Water Impoundment is an earth dam located in Mingo County, West Virginia. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.

About Fresh Water Impoundment

The primary purpose of Fresh Water Impoundment is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Lexington Coal Company, Llc (private).

The dam stands 66 feet tall and stretches 397 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet.

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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam.

At 66 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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.

Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
Significant HazardNot Available ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateWest Virginia
CountyMingo
Nearest CityWharncliffe
Coordinates37.60861, -81.95583

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height66 ft
Dam Height66 ft
Dam Length397 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage80 acre-ft
Max Storage80 acre-ft

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerLexington Coal Company, LLC
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentNot Available
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDWV83515
Federal IDWV83515
More InfoState Dam Safety Program