Pike Island Locks And Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pike Island Locks and Dam, located on the Ohio River in West Virginia, is a gravity dam completed in 1965 primarily for navigation purposes.
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Summary
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam features a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 64 feet, with a spillway width of 1186 feet. With a significant hazard potential due to its location and structure, the dam has emergency action plans in place to mitigate risks and ensure public safety in case of a dam-related emergency.
USACE actively manages flood risks associated with Pike Island Locks and Dam by monitoring its condition, prioritizing maintenance activities, and collaborating with local emergency managers to raise awareness and develop emergency response plans. The dam has limited capacity to store water, necessitating controlled releases to manage water levels and relieve pressure on the structure. While the risk assessment for this dam is very high, mitigation measures and regular maintenance efforts are in place to ensure its structural integrity and function. More detailed information about the dam's risk management and safety measures will be made available in the future.
Overall, Pike Island Locks and Dam serves a vital role in the navigation of the Ohio River, but also poses significant flood risks that require vigilant monitoring and maintenance. With a multi-arch design and a storage capacity of 89,300 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region. As part of the USACE's efforts to ensure public safety, detailed emergency action plans and risk management measures are in place to address any potential dam-related emergencies and protect downstream communities from the impacts of severe weather events.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1600 |
River Or Stream |
OHIO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
5140 |
Length Of Locks |
1200 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
24639 |
Nid Storage |
89300 |
Structural Height |
64 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 9 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
64 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pike Island Locks And Dam