Tilhance Farms Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tilhance Farms in West Virginia is a privately owned dam constructed in 1989 primarily for fire protection and stock, or small fish ponds.
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Summary
Situated in Berkeley County, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. While its normal storage capacity is rated at zero, Tilhance Farms poses a high hazard potential due to its proximity to residential areas and critical infrastructure.
Despite being categorized as a high hazard potential structure, Tilhance Farms has not been rated for its condition assessment. The emergency action plan was last revised in 1994, and it remains unclear if the plan meets current safety guidelines. With an inspection frequency of two years, the dam's risk assessment, inundation maps, and risk management measures are yet to be documented. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the need for proactive monitoring and maintenance of structures like Tilhance Farms is crucial to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainability of the ecosystem.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for the proper regulation and maintenance of dams like Tilhance Farms. By staying informed about their condition and advocating for updated emergency action plans and risk assessments, we can contribute to the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. Tilhance Farms serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate change, and community safety, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Height |
20 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.19 |
Nid Storage |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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