R.D. Bailey Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
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Summary
Bailey Dam, located in Mingo County, West Virginia, is a vital structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction along the Guyandot River. Completed in 1976, this rockfill dam stands at 310 feet high and has a storage capacity of 203,700 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having low risk of failure during a flood, the dam does not eliminate all downstream flood risks, especially during extreme weather events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway has the potential to release up to 450,000 cubic feet of water per second, posing significant flooding risks to communities downstream, including Justice and Gilbert, WV to Huntington, WV.
To manage these risks, the USACE implements various measures at R.D. Bailey Dam, such as continuous maintenance, detailed inspections, and monitoring systems to assess changing conditions. The Emergency Action Plan is regularly updated, and emergency exercises and training are conducted with local and state responders to enhance readiness. While rare events leading to spillway operations have not occurred, residents are advised to heed evacuation orders and follow directions from emergency officials to ensure their safety in the event of extreme flows. It is crucial to stay informed and prepared for any potential flooding scenarios that may arise.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
1397 |
River Or Stream |
GUYANDOT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
600 |
Hydraulic Height |
265 |
Drainage Area |
540 |
Nid Storage |
203700 |
Structural Height |
310 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
310 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
59cfs |
Tug Fork At Welch
|
90cfs |
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.
R.D. Bailey Dam