Patterson Creek No.26 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Patterson Creek No.26, also known as Larenin Park Lake #26, is a local government-owned structure located in Headsville, West Virginia.


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Summary

This earth dam, designed by USDA NRCS, was completed in 1967 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Patterson Creek. Standing at a height of 49 feet and with a normal storage capacity of 21 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels in the area.

The dam, constructed with stone core types on rock and soil foundations, has a surface area of 6 acres and a drainage area of 1.66 square miles. Its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates contribute to its high hazard potential, although its condition assessment in 2014 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition. Despite being regulated by the state and subject to regular inspections, the dam poses a moderate risk level, with emergency action plans and risk management measures in place to address any potential concerns.

Overall, Patterson Creek No.26 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of water resources in the face of climate variability. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam stands as a testament to the efforts to protect communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

PATTERSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

1.66

Nid Storage

414

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

49
       
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.