The Finney Branch Embankment, also known as the Finney Branch Dam, is a private structure located in Kanawha, West Virginia, along the Finney Branch stream.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1971 for the primary purpose of tailings storage, this earthen dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches across 650 feet. With a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a drainage area of 14 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Despite its significant hazard potential, the Finney Branch Embankment is currently in poor condition, as assessed in October 2017. With a last inspection date in March 2018 and an inspection frequency of 3 years, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. As a state-regulated structure under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the dam undergoes regular permitting, inspection, and enforcement to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community and environment.
As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like the Finney Branch Embankment are crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of the local area. With its location in a region prone to natural disasters, the proper management and monitoring of this dam are essential for protecting both the watershed and the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
FINNEY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Drainage Area |
14 |
Nid Storage |
180 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
28 |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
4570cfs |
Coal River At Tornado
|
391cfs |
Pocatalico River At Sissonville
|
48cfs |
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
234cfs |
Hurricane Creek At Hurricane
|
12cfs |
Elk River At Queen Shoals
|
711cfs |