Tygart Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Leer Slurry Cell Rock Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Tygart Dam, also known as Tygart Lake, is a gravity dam located on the Tygart River in Grafton, West Virginia.
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Summary
Built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1938, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, but also supports fish and wildlife habitats, navigation, recreation, and water supply purposes. With a hydraulic height of 234 feet and a structural height of 234 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 355,000 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 99,900 acre-feet.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 489 feet and outlet gates including 18 slide (sluice) gates and 2 valves. Despite the high hazard potential, the dam's risk management measures include regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers. These actions aim to mitigate flood risks associated with the dam and ensure its structural integrity in the face of severe weather events or increased water levels. Overall, Tygart Dam remains a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
As part of ongoing efforts to address flood risks, the US Army Corps of Engineers continually monitors the dam's condition, prioritizes risk-reducing activities, and collaborates with local emergency managers to prepare for potential dam-related emergencies. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's risk management strategy focuses on proactive measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and water resources. As more information becomes available, additional details specific to Tygart Dam will be added to enhance risk awareness and response readiness.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
1921 |
River Or Stream |
TYGART RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1740 |
Hydraulic Height |
234 |
Drainage Area |
1184 |
Nid Storage |
355000 |
Structural Height |
234 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 18, Valve - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
234 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton
|
868cfs |
Three Fork Creek Nr Grafton
|
153cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Colfax
|
1080cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Philippi
|
743cfs |
West Fork River At Enterprise
|
629cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Barrackville
|
138cfs |
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.
Tygart Dam