Brush Creek No.7a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brush Creek No.7a, located in Mercer, West Virginia, is a crucial structure managed by the local government for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a height of 27 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet serves as a vital component in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. With a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.34 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2013, Brush Creek No.7a has a high hazard potential and is considered to have moderate risk. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with the last inspection conducted in August 2015. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With Carol Miller (R) representing the region in Congress, efforts are ongoing to monitor and manage the risk associated with this essential flood control structure in West Virginia.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, Brush Creek No.7a stands as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area. With the state-regulated dam playing a key role in protecting the community from potential disasters, ongoing maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the region against flooding events. The dedication of the local government and USDA NRCS in managing this infrastructure highlights the importance of proactive measures in water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

BRUSH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

145

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Brush Creek No.7aBLUESTONE RIVER AT FALLS MILLS Preview Bluestone River At Falls Mills
20.2cfs
20cfs
Brush Creek No.7aNEW RIVER AT GLEN LYN Preview New River At Glen Lyn
1410.0cfs
1410cfs
Brush Creek No.7aWOLF CREEK NEAR NARROWS Preview Wolf Creek Near Narrows
72.5cfs
73cfs
Brush Creek No.7aBLUESTONE RIVER NEAR PIPESTEM Preview Bluestone River Near Pipestem
168.0cfs
168cfs
Brush Creek No.7aWALKER CREEK AT BANE Preview Walker Creek At Bane
60.4cfs
60cfs
Brush Creek No.7aTUG FORK AT WELCH Preview Tug Fork At Welch
75.7cfs
76cfs

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.
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