Lake O' Woods Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake O' Woods Dam in Preston, West Virginia, stands as a testament to engineering excellence since its completion in 1938.


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Summary

This privately-owned rockfill dam, located on Patterson Run, serves as a key recreational hub with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities to visitors. With a height of 26 feet and a storage capacity of 1580 acre-feet, the dam creates a surface area of 82 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Maintained and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Lake O' Woods Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. However, regular inspections have deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, ensuring its continued safety for the surrounding community. The dam's emergency action plan is actively monitored and updated to meet regulatory guidelines, further enhancing its risk management capabilities.

Visitors to Lake O' Woods Dam can appreciate the beauty of its surroundings while engaging in various recreational activities. From fishing and boating to hiking and picnicking, the dam offers a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to connect with nature in West Virginia's scenic countryside.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

PATTERSON RUN

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

82

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

4.75

Nid Storage

1580

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.