Margaret Freshwater Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Margaret Freshwater Impoundment, located in Joetown, West Virginia, is a private water supply dam with a primary purpose of providing water to the surrounding area.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 55 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. Its hazard potential is classified as high, although its condition assessment is currently listed as not available.
Despite not being regulated by the state, Margaret Freshwater Impoundment is overseen by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for inspections and enforcement. While details on the dam's construction year and condition assessment are lacking, its critical role in water supply highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and effectiveness. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, exploring the intricacies of this dam and its impact on the local ecosystem and community can offer valuable insights into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources.
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
55 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork River At Enterprise
|
398cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Barrackville
|
25cfs |
West Fork River Near Mount Clare
|
271cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Colfax
|
1380cfs |
Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton
|
1320cfs |
Three Fork Creek Nr Grafton
|
63cfs |
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.
Margaret Freshwater Impoundment
Whetstone Rn Nr Mannington