Polk Creek No.8 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Polk Creek No.7 Polk Creek No.1
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Polk Creek No.8, also known as Wolfpen Lake, is a significant earth dam located in Lewis, West Virginia, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Constructed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 57.8 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 342 acre-feet. With a hazard potential classified as high and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2013, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Polk Creek No.8 is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a drainage area of 0.74 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 6261 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the risk assessment for Polk Creek No.8 is classified as moderate, indicating that the dam is well-maintained and poses a manageable level of risk to the area it protects.
In the event of an emergency, Polk Creek No.8 does not have an established Emergency Action Plan (EAP) as of the latest data update in January 2015. However, the dam's emergency contacts and risk management measures are yet to be determined. With its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, Polk Creek No.8 serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control in the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
410 |
Dam Height |
57.8 |
River Or Stream |
POLK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
50.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.74 |
Nid Storage |
342 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
58 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.8