East Lynn Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
East Lynn Dam, also known as East Lynn Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in the city of East Lynn, West Virginia.
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Summary
Completed in 1971 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam primarily serves the purpose of flood risk reduction, while also providing benefits for fish and wildlife pond creation and recreational activities. With a hydraulic height of 92 feet and a structural height of 113 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 82,500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,005 acres.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 230 feet and outlet gates including three slide (sluice) gates and one valve. Classified with a high hazard potential, East Lynn Dam is subject to regular inspections and risk assessments, with an emergency action plan in place to address any potential issues. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages flood risks associated with the dam by monitoring its condition, prioritizing maintenance activities, and collaborating with local emergency managers to ensure public safety in case of a dam-related emergency.
Despite efforts to mitigate risks, the dam's limited water storage capacity and vulnerability to severe weather events underscore the ongoing need for proactive risk management measures. As such, ongoing updates to the emergency action plan and regular maintenance activities are crucial in ensuring the structural integrity of East Lynn Dam and protecting downstream communities from potential flooding incidents.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
652 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FK TWELVEPOLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1005 |
Hydraulic Height |
92 |
Drainage Area |
133 |
Nid Storage |
82500 |
Structural Height |
113 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 3, Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
113 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
11cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
411cfs |
Hurricane Creek At Hurricane
|
12cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1210cfs |
Ohio River At Ironton
|
27600cfs |
Symmes Creek At Aid Oh
|
85cfs |
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.
East Lynn Dam