New Cumberland Locks And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

New Cumberland Locks and Dam, located in Hancock, West Virginia, along the Ohio River, is an essential structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for navigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 64 feet and has a hydraulic height of 38 feet. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 1210 feet and includes two locks, each 1200 feet long and 110 feet wide. With a storage capacity of 74,000 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 3840 acres and serves a drainage area of 23,873 square miles.

Despite its critical role in managing water levels on the Ohio River, New Cumberland Locks and Dam has been assessed as having a significant hazard potential. The USACE continuously monitors and addresses flood risks associated with the dam, prioritizing maintenance activities and engaging with emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and preparedness for any potential dam-related emergencies. The dam's emergency action plan is regularly updated, and risk management measures are implemented to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam during severe weather events or high water levels. More detailed information specific to this dam's risk management and flood control strategies will be available in the future.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1599

River Or Stream

OHIO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

3840

Length Of Locks

1200

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

23873

Nid Storage

74000

Structural Height

64

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

64
       
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.