Lough Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lough Lake, located in Monongalia, West Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam structure that was completed in 1950.


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Summary

With a dam height of 24.8 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 24.8 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Little Indian Creek. The lake covers a surface area of 2 acres and has a drainage area of 0.33 square miles.

Despite its importance, Lough Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of December 2012. The dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain safety features such as spillways and outlet gates. Given its location in a residential area in OSGOOD, the safety of nearby residents could be at risk in the event of a failure. The last inspection date was in February 2017, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 2 years.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be interested in monitoring the condition of Lough Lake, as it serves as a vital structure for water management in the area. With its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, there is a need for continued attention and potentially remedial actions to ensure the safety and integrity of this dam. Regular inspections and maintenance efforts are crucial to mitigating risks and safeguarding the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards associated with dam failure.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Height

24.8

River Or Stream

LITTLE INDIAN CK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

24.8

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.