WEST-VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

West Virginia's network of dams and reservoirs plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply, flood control, and ecological balance. A recent review of the latest observations indicates that, generally, the state's water storage systems are operating within normal parameters for the season. However, the North Fork Hughes River near Cairo and the Tug Fork at Statts Mills are showing slight elevations in gage height at 43 ft and 51 ft, respectively, exceeding their averages of 42.79 ft and 50.52 ft. These minor deviations could suggest changes in local hydrological conditions such as increased rainfall, snowmelt, or alterations in upstream water management practices. Given the time of year, these variances might be associated with seasonal weather patterns affecting snowpack and river flows.

The majority of West Virginia's dams including South Mill Creek near Mozer, Whetstone Run near Mannington, Dunkard Fork near Majorsville, Middle Fork Brush Creek at Edison, Marlin Run at Marlinton, Dry Creek at Tuckahoe, and Mud River at Palermo are operating at or just below their average storage levels, indicating stable conditions. The data from December 21st, 2025, shows that these facilities are managing water levels effectively with current gage heights within a foot of their respective averages, suggesting there are no immediate concerns for water management or risk of flooding. Nevertheless, the slight elevations in the North Fork Hughes River and Tug Fork should be monitored closely to ensure they do not signal a trend towards abnormal conditions, which could necessitate adjustments in dam operations or issuance of advisory notices to downstream communities. Cross-referencing with multiple data sources including weather forecasts, snowpack analyses, and river flow records, confirms the veracity of these observations, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and integrated water resource management.

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.