Bonds Creek Site No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Bonds Creek Site No.
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Summary
1, also known as Tracy Lake or Bonds Creek Lake, is a significant Earth dam located in Ritchie, West Virginia, constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along Bonds Creek. The dam stands at a height of 52.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 345 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 154 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Bonds Creek Site No. 1 poses a significant hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2015. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood mitigation. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, contributing to its risk profile and the need for a robust emergency action plan to address potential breaches or overflows.
As a key infrastructure asset in the region, Bonds Creek Site No. 1 plays a vital role in protecting the community of Highland and surrounding areas from flood-related disasters. With its strategic location along Bonds Creek and the comprehensive regulatory oversight in place, the dam represents a critical piece of the local water resource management system. Continued inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness efforts are essential to ensure the long-term stability and effectiveness of this important flood control structure.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
365 |
Dam Height |
52.8 |
River Or Stream |
BONDS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
48.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.51 |
Nid Storage |
345 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
53 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bonds Creek Site No. 1
North Fork Hughes River Near Cairo