Photo of Dale Hollow Dam, with a dam with water pouring through the turbines, people in lower left looking up at it.

Hydropower

Winfield Locks and Dam

Huntington District
Published Jan. 10, 2024
Winfield Locks and Dam

Winfield Locks and Dam

 

Authority
River and Harbor Act of 30 August 1935; New construction, Water Resources Development Act of 1986.

Cost
The original project construction cost $6,340,100. The new lock and gate bay cost $227,400,000.

Dam
Non-navigable, gated dam, top length 676'-9 . Six roller crest gates and one tainter gate, spanning 100'-3 1/2" between piers. Damming height 28'.

Easements
Of an estimated Easement Acreage of 1,243 acres for the project, approximately 315.53 acres fee required for the lock site, 15 acres fee for the abutment site, 4.33 acres for recreation site, and flowage easements or other lesser interests over the remaining area.

Hydroelectric
One license has been granted to the Kanawha Valley Power Company for Hydroelectric power plant (capacity of 14,760 KW) for a term of 30 years, effective 17 January 1984. This outgrant contains 14.62 acres that consists of a forebay area, intake structure, a powerhose, a tailrace, a substation and a transmission line.

Locks
New Main lock is 110' wide by 800' long with miter gates. Twin auxiliary locks each of which are 56' wide by 360' long, with miter gates.

Net Land Owned
315.53 acres fee at lock site. Approximatlly 12 acres fee at recreation site #1. 15 acres fee at abutment site. 1,247.2 acres flowage easements, which includes flowage rights by use permits as follows: 1.00 acre from National Youth Administration; 2.90 acres from Department of Agriculture.

Pools
Normal upper pool elevation 566.0' m.s.l., upper pool length 36.7 miles to Marmet Dam, normal upper pool surface area 3,100 acres, normal lower pool elevation 538.0' m.s.l., (upper pool of R.C.Byrd/Gallipolis Dam), and normal lift of 28.0'.

Relocations
No extensive relocations necessary, but remedial measures required to adapt certain facilities to new pool conditions.

Status
The original project was placed in operation during September 1935 and was completed in August 1937. The new lock chamber was placed in operation in November 1997.


Contact Information
304-586-2501

How To Find Us
Kanawha River, 31.1 miles above mouth of river at Winfield, WV.

Recreation
There are 5 recreation areas at lock site, visitors center, overlook, observation areas, serveral nature/wildlife habit ponds and over 1 1/2 miles of fishing acess.


Restricted Area

Project staff members at Winfield Locks and Dam have begun installing/maintaining "Keep Out" buoys showing the Restricted Zone around the Dam. 

At this time the Huntington District would like to remind Boaters to observe Restricted Zones while near any of our Locks and Dam. Additionally, boaters are reminded to observe the "No Vessels in Lock Approach unless Locking Through" signs which are posted to prevent a collision with barges or others vessels locking through.

Winfield Locks and Dam is routinely visited by Recreational Boaters, it's our hope to make this year one of the safest ones yet! Boaters, always observe Restrictive buoys/signs and don’t forget to check all your safety gear such life jackets, throw cushions, fire extinguishers, and sound devises before entering the water. 

WInfield Locks and Dam
Winfield Locks and Dam Restricted Area
WInfield Locks and Dam
WInfield Locks and Dam
Winfield Locks and Dam Restricted Area
Photo By: Huntington District
VIRIN: 230207-A-A1409-008


 


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