Hildebrand Lock And Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hildebrand Lock and Dam, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, on the Monongahela River, was completed in 1960 by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of navigation, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 64 feet and has a hydraulic height of 45 feet. The dam boasts a spillway width of 460 feet and features a controlled spillway. It also includes a single lock that is 600 feet long and 84 feet wide, facilitating the movement of vessels along the river.

With a storage capacity of 7600 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2544 square miles, Hildebrand Lock and Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam has a low hazard potential but is subject to the risks associated with severe weather events that can lead to dam releases or structural issues. To address these risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various risk management measures, including regular monitoring, maintenance, and updating of emergency action plans. By actively engaging with local emergency managers and the public, the Corps ensures the safety and integrity of the dam to protect both the environment and surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

649

River Or Stream

MONONGAHELA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

405

Length Of Locks

600

Hydraulic Height

45

Drainage Area

2544

Nid Storage

7600

Structural Height

64

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 6

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

64
       
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.