New Creek Dam No.5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

New Creek Dam No.5, located in Mineral, West Virginia, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1957.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a hydraulic height of 32 feet, providing protection to the surrounding area along the New Creek river. With a storage capacity of 411 acre-feet and a normal storage of 20 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, New Creek Dam No.5 is inspected every 2 years to ensure its satisfactory condition and high hazard potential are being addressed. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate (3), indicating a level of risk management in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has an uncontrolled outlet gates system, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

With David B. McKinley (R) representing the area in Congress, New Creek Dam No.5 serves as a key infrastructure in the region's water resource management strategy. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, structures like this become even more critical in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. By adhering to inspection and maintenance schedules, New Creek Dam No.5 stands as a testament to successful collaboration between local and state agencies in safeguarding water resources and enhancing climate resilience in West Virginia.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

793

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

NEW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

1.05

Nid Storage

411

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.