Wheeling Creek #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wheeling Creek #3, located in Viola, West Virginia, is a rockfill dam completed in 1995 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 85 feet and a length of 1007 feet, this flood risk reduction structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Marshall County. The dam has a storage capacity of 18,993 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the surrounding area.

Maintained by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Wheeling Creek #3 has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, according to a 2013 assessment. The dam has a moderate risk rating and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a drainage area of 76.48 square miles, this structure plays a vital role in protecting the local community from flooding events, showcasing the importance of effective water resource management in the region.

Overall, Wheeling Creek #3 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in West Virginia. With its strategic location and design, this rockfill dam continues to play a significant role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding area. As climate change brings more extreme weather events, structures like Wheeling Creek #3 become increasingly essential for ensuring the resilience of communities in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

1007

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

TR-WHEELING CK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

31

Drainage Area

76.48

Nid Storage

18993

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

85
       
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.