Grasshopper Hollow Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grasshopper Hollow Tailings Dam, located in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, was completed in 1965 and stands at a height of 129 feet, with a length of 720 feet.


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Summary

This rockfill dam serves the primary purpose of holding tailings, with a storage capacity of 1260 acre-feet. Situated near the Potomac River, this privately owned structure is under the regulatory oversight of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2015, Grasshopper Hollow Tailings Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. Regular inspections by state authorities ensure that the dam meets safety standards, with the last inspection taking place in November 2015. While an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has not been prepared, the dam is monitored closely for any potential risks or threats to surrounding areas.

As a crucial component of water resource management in the region, Grasshopper Hollow Tailings Dam plays a vital role in controlling the flow of water and protecting the environment. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for maintaining water quality and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

129

River Or Stream

POTOMAC RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

28

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

1260

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

129
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.