Holz Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Holz Dam, also known as Carbide's New Flyash Dam, is a private dam located in Kanawha, West Virginia.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 202.8 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,090 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for tailings storage, with a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a surface area of 26.3 acres.

Managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Holz Dam is regulated and inspected for safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment as of 2009 was reported as satisfactory. The last inspection was conducted in June 2018, with an inspection frequency of every two years. While the dam has not experienced any modifications in recent years, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its risk management measures and emergency action plan to ensure the safety of the surrounding area in case of any unforeseen events.

With its location in a critical watershed area and the potential impact of a dam failure on the Sugar Camp Creek, it is essential for stakeholders and authorities to remain vigilant in monitoring Holz Dam's condition and safety protocols. Understanding the dam's design, storage capacity, and past inspection reports can help in assessing the potential risks and developing effective emergency response plans. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, the resilience and safety of dams like Holz Dam become even more crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

202.8

River Or Stream

SUGAR CAMP CR.

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

26.3

Drainage Area

63.7

Nid Storage

1090

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

203
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.