Patterson Creek No. 6 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Patterson Creek No.


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Summary

6 Dam, also known as Thorn Run, is a vital structure in Grant, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. This earth dam stands at a height of 82 feet and has a hydraulic height of 74 feet, with a length of 755 feet. Situated on the Elklick Run river, the dam provides a storage capacity of 513 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 22 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 5 acres and draining a 2.1 square mile watershed.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, Patterson Creek No. 6 Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. Despite not being rated for its condition, regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure its integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks for navigation purposes. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with risk management measures yet to be detailed.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in May 2014, with updated contact information and guidelines to meet. While inundation maps are not readily available, the dam's risk characterization and management measures are still pending. With a congressman representing the area, David B. McKinley, the Patterson Creek No. 6 Dam remains a critical asset for flood protection and water resource management in the region, warranting continued monitoring and maintenance for the community's safety and well-being.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

755

Dam Height

82

River Or Stream

ELKLICK RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

74

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

513

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

82
       
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.