Polk Creek No.9 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Polk Creek No.8 Polk Creek No.7
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Polk Creek No.9, also known as Keith Fork, is a local government-owned dam located in Lewis County, West Virginia.
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Summary
Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 54.9 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Keith Fork river. With a storage capacity of 357 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 5323 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2013, Polk Creek No.9 has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam is regulated and inspected by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, with enforcement and permitting authority. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, emergency action plans are in place to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in case of a dam failure. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the upkeep and maintenance of Polk Creek No.9 to minimize potential risks and ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction efforts.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
510 |
Dam Height |
54.9 |
River Or Stream |
KEITH FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
50.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
357 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
55 |
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.9