N&S Mill Creek No.4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

N&S Mill Creek No.4 is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Grant, West Virginia.


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Summary

Built in 1980 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 68 feet and spans 760 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 436 acre-feet and serving as a crucial component in managing the water resources of South Mill Creek.

Managed by the DWWM and with State jurisdiction and permitting, N&S Mill Creek No.4 is inspected every two years, with the last assessment conducted in March 2015 rating its condition as fair. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The structure features uncontrolled spillways and outlets, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, N&S Mill Creek No.4 serves as a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity in the realm of flood risk reduction infrastructure.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

760

Dam Height

68

River Or Stream

SOUTH MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

1.72

Nid Storage

436

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

68
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.