Mill Creek No.13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Mill Creek No.13, also known as Tug Fork & O'Brien Lake, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS in West Virginia.


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Summary

This dam, completed in 1986, serves primarily for flood risk reduction with additional benefits for recreation. Its earth dam type stands at a height of 92 feet and has a hydraulic height of 89 feet, providing a storage capacity of 25,362 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 217 acres.

Situated in Jackson County, West Virginia, along the Tug Fork river, this dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. The last inspection in October 2018 revealed no major issues, with a regular inspection frequency of every two years. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness have not been explicitly outlined. Despite this, Mill Creek No.13 continues to stand as a crucial infrastructure for flood control in the region, overseen by the state regulatory agency DWWM.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mill Creek No.13 offers a fascinating example of human-engineered infrastructure interacting with natural landscapes. Its design and construction by the USDA NRCS showcase the collaborative efforts to manage flood risk and enhance recreational opportunities. The dam's location in the Huntington District and its association with the Tug Fork river add to its regional significance, emphasizing the importance of effective water resource management in maintaining safety and environmental balance.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

663

Dam Height

92

River Or Stream

TUG FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

217

Hydraulic Height

89

Nid Storage

25362

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

92
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Mill Creek No.13POCATALICO RIVER AT SISSONVILLE Preview Pocatalico River At Sissonville
119.0cfs
119cfs
Mill Creek No.13W.FORK LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER AT ROCKSDALE Preview W.Fork Little Kanawha River At Rocksdale
56.2cfs
56cfs
Mill Creek No.13Shade River near Chester OH Preview Shade River Near Chester Oh
51.7cfs
52cfs
Mill Creek No.13LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER AT PALESTINE Preview Little Kanawha River At Palestine
1490.0cfs
1490cfs
Mill Creek No.13KANAWHA RIVER AT CHARLESTON Preview Kanawha River At Charleston
7050.0cfs
7050cfs
Mill Creek No.13ELK RIVER AT QUEEN SHOALS Preview Elk River At Queen Shoals
1100.0cfs
1100cfs

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.
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Nearby Reservoirs