Burnsville Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Burnsville Dam, also known as Burnsville Lake, is a federal dam located in Braxton, West Virginia, along the Little Kanawha River.


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Summary

Built in 1976 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the primary purpose of this rockfill dam is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for fish and wildlife, recreation, and other purposes. Standing at 89 feet tall with a dam length of 1400 feet, Burnsville Dam has a storage capacity of 65,900 acre-feet and a surface area of 968 acres.

Despite its strong performance in flood risk reduction, Burnsville Dam is considered a moderate to high-risk dam due to potential issues during rare high flood events. The dam poses a hazard to downstream communities such as Burnsville, Glenville, Grantsville, and Parkersburg, with an estimated 4,500 people and $396.7 million worth of property at risk in the event of a breach. To manage these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers regularly inspects and monitors the dam, implements risk reduction measures, and conducts emergency response exercises to ensure the safety of the surrounding areas. Overall, Burnsville Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

1400

River Or Stream

LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

968

Hydraulic Height

68

Drainage Area

165

Nid Storage

65900

Structural Height

89

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 5, Tainter (radial) - 3, Valve - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

89
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.