Mill Creek No.8 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mill Creek #9 Dam Mill Creek No.5
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mill Creek No.8, located in Hereford, West Virginia, is a key structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along the Left Fork river.
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Summary
Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at a height of 67 feet and has a hydraulic height of 54 feet, offering crucial flood protection to the surrounding area. With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam's condition was last assessed as satisfactory in 2012, ensuring its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood-related dangers.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, Mill Creek No.8 is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates to manage excess water flow during peak periods. The dam has a storage capacity of 1936 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 2.68 square miles. Despite its age, the structure has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2018, and is compliant with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) is up-to-date, ensuring that proper guidelines are in place to respond to potential risks and emergencies effectively.
Overall, Mill Creek No.8 plays a critical role in safeguarding the local community from flood hazards, with its sound engineering, regular maintenance, and robust risk management measures ensuring its continued functionality. As a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts, offering peace of mind to residents in Jackson County, West Virginia.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
67 |
River Or Stream |
LEFT FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
54 |
Drainage Area |
2.68 |
Nid Storage |
1936 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
67 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
W.Fork Little Kanawha River At Rocksdale
|
95cfs |
Little Kanawha River At Palestine
|
1670cfs |
Pocatalico River At Sissonville
|
177cfs |
Shade River Near Chester Oh
|
54cfs |
Elk River At Queen Shoals
|
995cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
8480cfs |
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.
Mill Creek No.8
Tug Fork At Statts Mills