Blake's Creek Site No.7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Located in Nitro, West Virginia, Blake's Creek Site No.7, also known as Ridenour Lake Dam, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 46 feet and spans 818 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 1148 acre-feet. The dam sits on the Ritenour Lake, covering a surface area of 59.2 acres and serving a drainage area of 2.44 square miles.

Managed by the local government, Blake's Creek Site No.7 is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DWWM) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a high hazard potential due to its location, this dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition and is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates. The dam serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and recreation, making it a vital asset for the community.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, Blake's Creek Site No.7 remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Kanawha County, West Virginia. With a history of safe operation and maintenance, this dam continues to play a key role in protecting the local area from potential flood events. The dedication of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state regulatory agencies ensures the ongoing safety and functionality of this essential water resource structure.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

818

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

RITENOUR LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

59.2

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

2.44

Nid Storage

1148

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

46
       
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.