Upper Grave No.5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Grave No.5 is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Cameron, West Virginia, along the Grave Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and serves to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.23 square miles, Upper Grave No.5 plays a vital role in mitigating the impact of excess water flow in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Upper Grave No.5 has a high hazard potential but is currently rated as satisfactory in terms of condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and outlet gates are also uncontrolled, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the structure's integrity. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, efforts to manage and reduce risks associated with Upper Grave No.5 are ongoing, indicating the commitment to safeguarding the community and environment from potential threats.

In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for the authorities to have an effective Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. While details regarding the EAP for Upper Grave No.5 are not specified in the data, the last revision was recorded in March 2016. With a designated inspection frequency of 2 years and a congressman representing the area, David B. McKinley (R), the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood protection and highlights the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

266

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

GRAVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

53

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

74

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

55
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Upper Grave No.5WHEELING CREEK AT ELM GROVE Preview Wheeling Creek At Elm Grove
71.2cfs
71cfs
Upper Grave No.5Captina Cr. at S.R. 148 at Armstrongs Mills Preview Captina Cr. At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills
14.9cfs
15cfs
Upper Grave No.5OHIO RIVER ABOVE SARDIS Preview Ohio River Above Sardis
20500.0cfs
20500cfs
Upper Grave No.5Wheeling Creek below Blaine OH Preview Wheeling Creek Below Blaine Oh
24.5cfs
25cfs
Upper Grave No.5South Fork Tenmile Creek at Jefferson Preview South Fork Tenmile Creek At Jefferson
26.3cfs
26cfs
Upper Grave No.5Short Creek near Dillonvale OH Preview Short Creek Near Dillonvale Oh
37.0cfs
37cfs

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