Upper Grave No.8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Grave No.8 is a flood risk reduction dam located in Cameron, West Virginia, along the Grave Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands 44 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 37 feet and a length of 210 feet. With a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, it serves to mitigate flood risks in the area, particularly in Marshall County.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Upper Grave No.8 has a high hazard potential and undergoes inspections every two years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2014. Despite its satisfactory condition, the dam poses moderate risk (rating 3) and is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DWWM). With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this structure plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential inundation events.

As an essential infrastructure for water resource management, Upper Grave No.8 contributes to the overall resilience of the region against flood hazards. Its strategic location, efficient design, and regulatory oversight ensure that it continues to fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction while maintaining satisfactory operational standards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam serves as a noteworthy example of effective flood mitigation measures in West Virginia.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

GRAVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

58

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

View more

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Upper Grave No.8WHEELING CREEK AT ELM GROVE Preview Wheeling Creek At Elm Grove
71.2cfs
71cfs
Upper Grave No.8Wheeling Creek below Blaine OH Preview Wheeling Creek Below Blaine Oh
24.5cfs
25cfs
Upper Grave No.8Captina Cr. at S.R. 148 at Armstrongs Mills Preview Captina Cr. At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills
14.9cfs
15cfs
Upper Grave No.8OHIO RIVER ABOVE SARDIS Preview Ohio River Above Sardis
20500.0cfs
20500cfs
Upper Grave No.8South Fork Tenmile Creek at Jefferson Preview South Fork Tenmile Creek At Jefferson
26.3cfs
26cfs
Upper Grave No.8Short Creek near Dillonvale OH Preview Short Creek Near Dillonvale Oh
37.0cfs
37cfs

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.
View more

Nearby Reservoirs