West Fork Slurry Impoundment Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Star Branch Dam #1 Buchanan Dam #2
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
The West Fork Slurry Impoundment Dam, located in Buchanan, Virginia, is a crucial water resource structure managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 260 feet, this dam boasts a storage capacity of 4985 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 35.8 acres. Despite its significant size and importance, the dam's hazard potential is currently marked as "Undetermined," with a condition assessment of "Not Rated."
While details on the dam's construction date and specific purposes are not available, its critical role in water resource management is evident. With a drainage area of 0.24 square miles, the West Fork Slurry Impoundment Dam plays a key part in regulating water flow and storage in the region. Despite the lack of a state regulatory agency overseeing its operation, the dam's height and storage capacity make it a vital component of the local hydrological system.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and operation of dams like the West Fork Slurry Impoundment Dam is essential for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in Virginia. With its impressive size and capacity, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical water infrastructure to support the needs of local communities and ecosystems.
Dam Height |
260 |
Surface Area |
35.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
260 |
Drainage Area |
0.24 |
Nid Storage |
4985 |
Structural Height |
260 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
260 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Levisa Fork At Big Rock
|
149cfs |
Russell Fork At Haysi
|
467cfs |
Russell Fork At Bartlick
|
1060cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
59cfs |
Pound River Below Flannagan Dam Near Haysi
|
26cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
West Fork Slurry Impoundment Dam