Upper Grave No.1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Grave No.1 is a rockfill dam located in Cameron, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1959 for flood risk reduction along Grave Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 68 feet and a hydraulic height of 66 feet, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and has a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2014, Upper Grave No.1 has a high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness in managing flood risks in the region.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Upper Grave No.1 is situated in Marshall County and falls under the jurisdiction of the DWWM. Although it has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 9 acres. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and risk management measures to address any potential vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of the surrounding community from flood events.

Overall, Upper Grave No.1 plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction efforts in the region, with its strategic location along Grave Creek and its capacity to store water during periods of high discharge. As a key infrastructure asset, the dam requires ongoing attention and adherence to regulatory guidelines to mitigate hazards and protect the community from the impacts of flooding. By staying vigilant and proactive in its maintenance and management, Upper Grave No.1 can continue to fulfill its vital role in safeguarding the area from flood risks and ensuring the resilience of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

GRAVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

66

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

284

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

68
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Upper Grave No.1WHEELING CREEK AT ELM GROVE Preview Wheeling Creek At Elm Grove
71.2cfs
71cfs
Upper Grave No.1Captina Cr. at S.R. 148 at Armstrongs Mills Preview Captina Cr. At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills
14.9cfs
15cfs
Upper Grave No.1Wheeling Creek below Blaine OH Preview Wheeling Creek Below Blaine Oh
24.5cfs
25cfs
Upper Grave No.1OHIO RIVER ABOVE SARDIS Preview Ohio River Above Sardis
20500.0cfs
20500cfs
Upper Grave No.1Short Creek near Dillonvale OH Preview Short Creek Near Dillonvale Oh
37.0cfs
37cfs
Upper Grave No.1South Fork Tenmile Creek at Jefferson Preview South Fork Tenmile Creek At Jefferson
26.3cfs
26cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs