Star Branch Dam #1 dam
Star Branch Dam #1
Star Branch Dam #1, also known as Big Branch Slurry Impoundment, is located in Buchanan, Virginia, and is associated with the Star Branch off-stream. This earth dam stands at a remarkable height of 79 feet, with a storage capacity of 770 acre-feet. While the dam's primary purpose is listed as 'Other', its construction and regulatory oversight fall under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Despite its undetermined hazard potential and lack of condition assessment rating, this dam serves as a significant structure for water resource management in the area.
The dam, owned by unspecified entities and not regulated by the state, poses an interesting case for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With no recent inspection or assessment data available, the risk associated with Star Branch Dam #1 remains uncertain. Its proximity to the Huntington District and the oversight by the Mine Safety and Health Administration raise questions about its long-term sustainability and safety measures. The lack of detailed information about its design and construction adds to the mystery surrounding this crucial water management infrastructure.
For those passionate about water resource management and climate resilience, Star Branch Dam #1 presents a unique case study in the world of dam infrastructure. With its significant height and storage capacity, the dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. However, the absence of recent inspection data, condition assessment, and risk evaluation leave room for further investigation and monitoring. Understanding the complexities of this dam's operation and maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in Buchanan, Virginia, and beyond.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Star Branch Dam #1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Fork At Haysi | 467 cfs | → |
| Clinch River At Cleveland | 303 cfs | → |
| Levisa Fork At Big Rock | 96 cfs | → |
| Russell Fork At Bartlick | 1,060 cfs | → |
| Dry Fork At Beartown | 79 cfs | → |
| Pound River Below Flannagan Dam Near Haysi | 26 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Star Branch Dam #1.
Boat launches
- County Road 641 Russell County
- Shepard Hollow Road Russell County
- Russell County
- Hidden Valley Road Washington County
- North Fork River Road Washington County
- River Road 558, Saltville
Campgrounds
- Breaks Interstate Park
- Panther State Forest
- Lower Twin Branch - John W. Flannagan Reservoir
- Panther Wma
- Cranesnest - John W. Flannagan Reservoir
- Pound River - John W. Flannagan Reservoir
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Confluence Of White Branch With Russell Fork (And 1 Mile Upstream On Pound River) To Railroad Bridge Crossing Above Elkhorn City
- Confluence With Guest River To Confluence With Little Stony Creek
- State Route 72 Bridge To Confluence With Clinch River
- Fs Route 700 To Confluence With Clinch River
- Whitetop Laurel--Jefferson Nf Boundary (Intersection Of Hwy 58 And Sr 859) To Jefferson Nf Boundary Above Damascus
- Green Cove--Jefferson Nf Near Confluence Of Star Hill Branch To Confluence With Whitetop Laurel
Track Star Branch Dam #1 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Star Branch Dam #1
Where does the data for Star Branch Dam #1 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Star Branch Dam #1.