Salem Fork No.9 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lower Salem Ws Salem Fork #13
Last Updated: February 23, 2026
Salem Fork No.9, located in Salem, West Virginia, is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1958 to reduce flood risk along the Salem Fork river.
Summary
This dam stands at a height of 36.2 feet and has a hydraulic height of 31.2 feet, with a storage capacity of 279 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 23 acres and has a drainage area of 0.92 square miles, with a maximum discharge of 2940.2 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Salem Fork No.9 has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of June 2014. Regular inspections are conducted every 2 years to ensure the dam's integrity and safety. The dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam does not have associated locks, it plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.
Managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Salem Fork No.9 serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction in Harrison County. With its strategic location and design, this earth dam continues to play a significant role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential flooding events. Its presence highlights the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
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15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
36.2 |
River Or Stream |
SALEM FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Hydraulic Height |
31.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.92 |
Nid Storage |
279 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork River Near Mount Clare
|
271cfs |
W.F. River At Butcherville
|
192cfs |
West Fork River At Enterprise
|
2370cfs |
West Fork R Bl Stonewall Jackson Dam Nr Weston
|
57cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Colfax
|
5150cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Barrackville
|
363cfs |
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.
Salem Fork No.9