Patterson Creek No.45 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Patterson Creek No.45, also known as Grave Yard Run, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Fort Ashby, West Virginia.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1969, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the area. With a height of 42 feet and a hydraulic height of 36 feet, it serves as a key structure for managing water flow in the Grave Yard Run.

The dam has a storage capacity of 162 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, with a drainage area of 0.56 square miles. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2014 was deemed satisfactory. While the dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, it is regularly inspected every two years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

With its critical role in protecting the local community from potential flooding events, Patterson Creek No.45 stands as a testament to the importance of well-maintained water resource infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Its presence highlights the collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies to safeguard the environment and enhance resilience in the face of evolving weather patterns.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

515

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

GRAVE YARD RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.56

Nid Storage

162

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.