Mill Creek #10 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mill Creek #10 Dam, located in Ripley, West Virginia, is a rockfill dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1997 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Mill Creek of Elk Fork.


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Summary

With a height of 69.3 feet and a storage capacity of 25,545 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

The dam is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water and Waste Management, ensuring that it meets state standards for safety and operation. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2012 deemed it to be satisfactory, with regular inspections conducted every two years to monitor its performance. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in 2016, indicating that measures are in place to respond to any potential risks or incidents.

With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of meeting safety guidelines, Mill Creek #10 Dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset for flood control in the region. Its satisfactory condition, regular inspections, and state regulation demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the dam's effectiveness in protecting the community and water resources in Jackson County, West Virginia.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

1049.3

Dam Height

69.3

River Or Stream

MILL CREEK OF ELK FORK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

278

Hydraulic Height

68.3

Nid Storage

25545

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

69
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.