Salem Fork #12 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Salem Fork No.11 Upper Salem Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Salem Fork #12, also known as Westfall Dam, is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Salem, West Virginia.
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Summary
Built in 1955 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 35.65 feet and has a hydraulic height of 28.65 feet, providing crucial protection to the surrounding areas along Jacobs Run. With a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, this dam plays a significant role in managing floodwaters and protecting the local community from potential hazards.
Managed by the local government, Salem Fork #12 is regulated and inspected by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition and meets regulatory guidelines. The last inspection in 2017 deemed the structure to be in good working order. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the region.
As an essential piece of infrastructure in flood-prone West Virginia, Salem Fork #12 serves as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management and climate resilience. With its earth construction and stone core, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between federal agencies, local governments, and regulatory bodies to safeguard communities against natural disasters. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance of Salem Fork #12 will be crucial in upholding its protective functions and ensuring the long-term safety of the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
185 |
Dam Height |
35.65 |
River Or Stream |
JACOBS RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
28.65 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
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 #12