Daves Fork No.3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Daves Fork No.3, also known as Christian Fork, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Mercer County, West Virginia.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam was completed in 1959 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Christian Fork river. Standing at a height of 34 feet with a hydraulic height of 29 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 694 acre-feet and a normal storage of 35 acre-feet.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a moderate risk assessment, Daves Fork No.3 remains an essential structure for flood control in the area. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure its safety and effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, making it a crucial component of the local water resource infrastructure and a key player in the management of water resources and climate-related challenges in the area.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

770

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

CHRISTIAN FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

694

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.