Big Ditch Lake No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Big Ditch Lake No.


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Summary

1 is a key water resource located in Webster, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS in 1968 for flood risk reduction along the Long Glade Ditch. This earth dam stands at a height of 24.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 1075 acre-feet, with a surface area of 100 acres and a drainage area of 1.17 square miles. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and recreation, making it an essential asset for the local community in Welch Glade.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential with fair condition assessment as of April 2018. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the risk assessment for Big Ditch Lake No. 1 is moderate, proper risk management measures are in place to address any potential concerns and maintain the dam's functionality for the surrounding area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Ditch Lake No. 1 represents a significant infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks and provide recreational opportunities in the region. With its strategic location and vital role in water management, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of proactive infrastructure planning and maintenance to safeguard communities from natural disasters and ensure sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

24.3

River Or Stream

LONG GLADE DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

22.3

Drainage Area

1.17

Nid Storage

1075

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.