WEST-VIRGINIA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

West Virginia's dams and reservoirs are subject to close monitoring, as they play a vital role in water supply, flood control, and ecosystem maintenance. As of the latest observations dated December 29, 2025, most of the state's key water storage facilities are reporting gage heights near their seasonal averages. For example, South Mill Creek near Mozer is currently at 8 feet, which is just 1.01 feet below its average of 9.01 feet. Whetstone Run near Mannington and Dunkard Fork near Majorsville are also slightly below their average levels, at 13 and 40 feet respectively, compared to averages of 13.47 and 41.2 feet. These small variances from average gage heights suggest stable conditions in these areas.

However, the North Fork Hughes River near Cairo and the Tug Fork at Statts Mills show gage heights marginally above their averages, at 43 and 51 feet against average levels of 42.79 and 50.52 feet, respectively. This could be attributed to recent weather patterns affecting river flows or local snowpack conditions. While these deviations are not extreme, continuous monitoring is essential to anticipate any potential flooding or water management issues. Other reservoirs, including Middle Fork Brush Creek at Edison, Marlin Run at Marlinton, Dry Creek at Tuckahoe, and Mud River at Palermo, are reporting levels at or just below their average, which indicates normal conditions for this time of year. It is critical to cross-reference with additional data sources to confirm these observations and maintain an accurate assessment of water resource statuses across the state.

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.