WEST-VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

West Virginia's network of dams and reservoirs are essential for flood control, water supply, and recreation. Observations as of December 28, 2025, indicate that most facilities are operating within normal storage levels, with gage heights close to their respective averages. For instance, South Mill Creek near Mozer is at a gage height of 8 feet, slightly below its average of 9.01 feet, while Whetstone Run near Mannington, Dunkard Fork near Majorsville, and Middle Fork Brush Creek at Edison are also marginally lower than their typical measurements. Such deviations are minor and do not suggest immediate concerns for water management or local ecosystems. On the other hand, the North Fork Hughes River near Cairo and Tug Fork at Statts Mills are recording slightly higher levels than average, which could point to increased inflow or changes in water management practices.

Diving deeper, the current data does not indicate any dams experiencing alarming conditions for this time of the year. However, the slightly increased levels at the North Fork Hughes River and Tug Fork could potentially relate to above-average precipitation, snowmelt, or altered river flows upstream. The Tug Fork, with a current gage height of 51 feet, marginally exceeds its average of 50.52 feet. Such variations are important to monitor as they can impact downstream water availability and flood risk. Nevertheless, given the proximity of these figures to their averages, there is no immediate indication of abnormal conditions associated with snowpack or river flows. It is important for authorities and stakeholders to continually monitor these levels, as changes in weather patterns and hydrological conditions can rapidly influence reservoir storage and dam operations. The data presented reflects a stable and controlled water management system across West Virginia's major dams and reservoirs, with ongoing monitoring ensuring preparedness for any potential hydrological changes.

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.