WEST-VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

West Virginia's dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water management, flood control, and supply for communities. Recent data indicates that most reservoirs are at or slightly below average storage levels for this time of year, with no immediate cause for alarm. The South Mill Creek near Mozer, for instance, shows a current gage height of 8 feet, just 1.01 feet below its average. Similarly, Whetstone RN near Mannington and Dunkard Fork near Majorsville are reporting gage heights marginally below their respective averages by 0.47 and 1.2 feet. However, Tug Fork at Statts Mills is reporting a gage height of 51 feet, marginally above its average of 50.53 feet, suggesting a minor deviation from the norm.

While these fluctuations are within normal ranges, they might be influenced by several factors such as seasonal precipitation, snowpack melt, and river flow patterns. For example, abnormal conditions could be linked to lower than usual snowpack leading to reduced inflows, or conversely, to heavy rainfall episodes temporarily increasing storage levels. Sources like POLITICO Pro articles on the Colorado River have raised concerns about water management amidst climate variability, although these primarily focus on areas outside West Virginia. Nonetheless, such discussions underscore the importance of closely monitoring reservoir levels and the underlying hydrological dynamics they reflect. The data from West Virginia does not show significant deviations that would be cause for concern, and the reservoirs are currently operating within expected parameters for this period.

West Virginia is home to numerous reservoirs and dams that play a crucial role in providing water for the state's residents, industries, and agriculture. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Sutton Lake, Summersville Lake, and Bluestone Lake. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Elk River, Gauley River, and New River. The snowpack and mountains in the area also contribute to the water supply, as melting snow and rainfall runoff from the mountains flow into the streams and rivers. The hydrology in West Virginia is affected by seasonal trends, with higher streamflows and river levels typically occurring in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt and increased rainfall. However, drought conditions can also occur, leading to lower water levels in reservoirs and streams. In recent years, there have been record levels of precipitation, causing flooding and damage to some of the state's dams and reservoirs. Overall, the management and maintenance of these reservoirs and dams are critical for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for West Virginia.

West Virginia is home to numerous reservoirs and dams that play a crucial role in providing water for the state's residents, industries, and agriculture. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Sutton Lake, Summersville Lake, and Bluestone Lake. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, including the Elk River, Gauley River, and New River. The snowpack and mountains in the area also contribute to the water supply, as melting snow and rainfall runoff from the mountains flow into the streams and rivers.

The hydrology in West Virginia is affected by seasonal trends, with higher streamflows and river levels typically occurring in the spring and early summer due to snowmelt and increased rainfall. However, drought conditions can also occur, leading to lower water levels in reservoirs and streams. In recent years, there have been record levels of precipitation, causing flooding and damage to some of the state's dams and reservoirs. Overall, the management and maintenance of these reservoirs and dams are critical for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for West Virginia.