Salt Lick Creek No. 7 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Salt Lick Creek No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

7 Dam, also known as Spruce Fork, is a local government-owned structure in Braxton, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1966. This earth dam stands at a height of 52 feet and spans 416 feet across Spruce Fork, with a storage capacity of 428 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, catering to a drainage area of 1.81 square miles.

The dam, regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, poses a high hazard potential but maintains a satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2015. While it has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the structure has undergone regular inspections and is equipped to handle emergencies. With a moderate risk assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area, under the supervision of state regulatory agencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Salt Lick Creek No. 7 Dam serves as a prime example of local government efforts to manage flood risks effectively. Its strategic location in Burnsville, West Virginia, and the utilization of natural resources for construction highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in safeguarding communities against potential hazards. With its rich history and ongoing maintenance, this dam stands as a testament to the intersection of environmental conservation and public safety in water resource management.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

416

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

SPRUCE FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

1.81

Nid Storage

428

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

52
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.