Brush Creek No.9 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brush Creek No.9, also known as James P.


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Summary

Bailey Dam, is a vital structure located in Stoney Gap, Mercer County, West Virginia. Managed by the local government, this dam was designed by the USDA NRCS and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure along the South Fork river. With a height of 36 feet and a length of 540 feet, Brush Creek No.9 provides a storage capacity of 816 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 254 acre-feet.

Constructed in 1962, the dam is primarily made of earth and stone materials, with a foundation of rock and soil. While its hazard potential is rated as high, its current condition assessment is fair as of July 2013. Despite its age, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in August 2015. The risk assessment for Brush Creek No.9 is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, with emergency action plans being a critical aspect of its risk management strategy.

Overall, Brush Creek No.9 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding and ensuring water resource management in Mercer County. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures in the region, supported by the collaborative efforts of local government agencies and the USDA NRCS. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Brush Creek No.9 become increasingly important in safeguarding communities and enhancing resilience against future challenges.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

816

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

36
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.