Huntington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

08/18/2026

Did You Know? Locks & Dams on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers Are NOT Flood-Control Dams

The locks and dams operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers are designed primarily for navigation — not flood control.

These structures maintain dependable river depths for commercial and recreational navigation. The locks move vessels between pools of different elevations, helping keep commerce moving along our inland waterways.

During high-water events, navigation dams do not store floodwater like flood-control reservoirs. As river levels rise, their influence on the river diminishes and they are operated to safely pass the increasing flow.

Navigation Locks & Dams = Maintain navigable waterways
Flood-Control Dams & Reservoirs = Store water to reduce downstream flood risk

Knowing the difference helps explain how USACE manages the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers.

08/18/2026

Good morning Huntington LockStars ⭐ !! It's TRIVIA TUESDAY!
Let’s see if your knowledge holds water. Flood risk management trivia starts now.

Topic: 🌧️ Flood Risk Management & Dams

Q: What is the tallest dam in West Virginia?

Tune in next week as we announce the WINNER🏆 and the correct ANSWER...don't let this question beat you! Stay actively engaged each week....see you soon!

08/12/2026

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, safety on the water is non-negotiable. Save this image as a reminder of what you need to know before your next paddleboarding adventure!

08/11/2026

Good Morning Huntington Lock-Stars ⭐, the time has come to announce the ANSWER and WINNER to last week's trivia question....

Topic: 🛳Locks & Dams

Q: What is the primary purpose of the locks and dams?

A: Maintaining a navigable channel for commercial, government, and reacreational traffic. Congratulations to Strickland Jones!

Tune in next week for another round of Trivia Tuesday... keep those minds sharp and actively engaged each week! Stay tuned!

08/06/2026

Before you set out on your next water adventure, please make sure everyone including yourself is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. Please Wear It

08/04/2026

Good Afternoon Huntington LockStars ⭐ !! It's TRIVIA TUESDAY!
The Ohio River is calling 📲. Can you unlock the answer before the rest of the District?

Topic: 🛳Locks & Dams (Navigation Mission)

Q: What is the primary purpose of the locks and dams?

Tune in next week as we announce the WINNER and the correct ANSWER... keep those minds sharp 💭and actively engaged each week! Stay tuned!

07/31/2026

A huge shoutout and THANK YOU to our hardworking Huntington District Rangers!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will recognize World Ranger Day July 31. This annual worldwide celebration commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and highlights our rangers' vital roles in environmental stewardship, public safety and managing some of the nation's premier water-based recreation areas.

USACE park rangers play crucial roles in safeguarding the environment, ensuring visitor safety and promoting conservation efforts at more than 2,850 USACE-managed recreation areas nationwide.

USACE park rangers manage, protect and restore public lands and waters across the nation, ensuring these resources remain healthy and accessible for future generations. To highlight the park ranger experience, USACE presents a series of videos showcasing the important role its natural resources professionals play in environmental stewardship, recreation and visitor assistance.

Learn more and check out the videos here: https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/News-Release-Article-View/Article/4557667/army-corps-of-engineers-celebrates-world-ranger-day-july-31/

07/28/2026

Good Morning Huntington Lock-Stars ⭐, the time has come to announce the ANSWER and WINNER to last week's trivia question....

Topic: 🛳 Locks & Dams

Q: What month and year was the Winfield Locks and Dam completed?

A: The original structures were completed in August 1937 and the additional lock in November 1997.

Congratulations to our WINNER, Dale Smith!!

Keep your brains engaged 💭 and fresh until next week.....See you soon and stay tuned for another Trivia Tuesday question. .

07/27/2026

WINFIELD, W.Va. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Huntington District, honored the 42-year public service career of Thomas Plumley by dedicating a survey vessel in his name at the Winfield Locks and Dam on July 13. Plumley, a retired hydrographic technician, is the first living individual to receive such a dedication from USACE following a recent change in Army regulations.

Plumley was instrumental in modernizing the district's hydrographic surveying and dredging program, ensuring safe and efficient navigation on 412 miles of waterways. His innovations in dredging contracts and vessel safety have been adopted regionally across the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division. The newly vessel, the "Plumley," will continue his legacy of maintaining the nation's vital river systems for commercial and recreational use.

Video by Noe Gonzalez (Nashville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

07/25/2026

Dealing with wave action and currents caused by boats or wind can make swimming exhausting in open waters, regardless of how well you can swim. A belt-style inflatable life jacket is designed for swimmers. They won’t restrict your swimming ability and will be there if you need it so .

YouTube link:

This video shows a friend challenging another friend to swim out to...