Salem Fork #13 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Salem Fork #14 Salem Fork No.15
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Salem Fork #13, located in Salem, West Virginia, is a local government-owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 25.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 22.5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 6.7 acres. With a drainage area of 0.23 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1389 cubic feet per second, Salem Fork #13 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2014, Salem Fork #13 poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The dam is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water and Waste Management and undergoes regular inspections every two years, with the last inspection conducted in November 2017. The risk assessment for Salem Fork #13 is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the dam's safety and effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Salem Fork #13 to be a significant infrastructure project in Harrison County, West Virginia, contributing to the protection of local communities against flooding events. The dam's association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and its role in managing the Salem Fork of West Fork River highlight its importance in sustainable water resource management. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, Salem Fork #13 serves as a key component in the region's water infrastructure network, emphasizing the crucial link between dam safety and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
25.5 |
River Or Stream |
SALEM FK OF WEST FK RV |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
22.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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 #13