Scott's Run Cinder Barrier Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Located in Belle, West Virginia, the Scott's Run Cinder Barrier is a rockfill dam constructed in 1955 for the primary purpose of tailings management.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 179 feet and spanning 500 feet in length, the dam provides storage for 879 acre-feet of water from Scott's Run. The dam is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a surface area of 9 acres and a drainage area of 0.29 square miles, the Scott's Run Cinder Barrier plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2015. Emergency action plans are in place, and the dam meets regulatory guidelines for safety and risk management. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Scott's Run Cinder Barrier to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to protect communities and the environment from the impacts of water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

179

River Or Stream

SCOTT'S RUN

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

879

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

179
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.