Polk Creek No.7 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Polk Creek No.8 Polk Creek No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Polk Creek No.7, also known as Dry Fork, is a key water resource in Lewis, West Virginia, managed by the local government with design assistance from USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1967, stands at a height of 52.3 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Dry Fork river. With a storage capacity of 762 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.41 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a high hazard potential, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of moderate (3). Despite this, the condition assessment in 2013 deemed the dam to be satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a vital component of the water management infrastructure in the region.
With a satisfactory condition assessment and a history of successful flood risk reduction, Polk Creek No.7 stands as a testament to effective water resource management in West Virginia. Its strategic location and design, coupled with regular inspections and maintenance, ensure that the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of safeguarding the community against potential flooding events along the Dry Fork river. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Polk Creek No.7 play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
52.3 |
River Or Stream |
DRY FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38 |
Hydraulic Height |
47.3 |
Drainage Area |
1.41 |
Nid Storage |
762 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
52 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Polk Creek No.7