Salem Fork No.11 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Salem Fork #12 Salem Fork No.15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Salem Fork No.11 is a crucial earth dam located in Salem, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS in 1956 for flood risk reduction along the Salem Fork river.
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Summary
With a height of 29.6 feet and a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, this dam serves as a vital structure to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
The dam has a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2013, with regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity. The Salem Fork No.11 dam also has a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a level of risk that is manageable with appropriate risk management measures. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in November 2014, and it meets established guidelines for emergency preparedness, although inundation maps and detailed risk assessments are still pending.
Overall, Salem Fork No.11 is a significant infrastructure asset for the local government of Salem, providing essential flood protection along the Salem Fork river. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory oversight of dams like Salem Fork No.11 is crucial for managing flood risks and ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in West Virginia.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
29.6 |
River Or Stream |
SALEM FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.51 |
Nid Storage |
119 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Salem Fork No.11