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Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, Hawks Nest (also known as Gauley Junction Dam) is a private hydroelectric dam on the New River.
With a towering height of 85 feet and a hydraulic height of 163 feet, this concrete gravity dam was completed in 1936 and serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam boasts a storage capacity of 7,323 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 335,000 cubic feet per second.
Despite its age, Hawks Nest remains a critical piece of infrastructure, with a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. The dam's controlled spillway, 700 feet wide, helps manage water flow during peak periods. The dam's roller gates, numbering 14, assist in regulating water levels and releases.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Hawks Nest is an integral part of the region's water resource management system. Its stunning location, combined with its historical significance and operational importance, make it a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the intersection of nature and engineering.
Kanawha River At Kanawha Falls
|
5130cfs |
Gauley River Above Belva
|
837cfs |
Peters Creek Near Lockwood
|
63cfs |
New River At Thurmond
|
3630cfs |
Meadow River At Nallen
|
348cfs |
Elk River At Clay
|
11200cfs |
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
948 |
Dam Height |
85 |
River Or Stream |
New River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
243 |
Hydraulic Height |
163 |
Drainage Area |
6856 |
Nid Storage |
7323 |
Structural Height |
102 |
Outlet Gates |
Roller - 14 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
163 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Chestnut Creek Campground
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Ray's Campground
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Gauley River Wild & Woolly Primitive Campground
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Carnifex Ferry Cabins
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Babcock State Park
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Battle Run
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The Route U.S. 19 Bridge To The Confluence With The Gauley River
Upper Gauley - Summersville Dam to Mason Branch
Begins Below Summersville Lake To The Town Of Swiss
Meadow Creek Junction To The Route U.S. 19 Bridge
The Cora Brown Bridge In Nicholas County To The Confluence With The Elk River In Braxton County
Rabbit Run To Private Land .5 Mile From Richwood