Upper Mud River No.2a Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Upper Mud River No.2a is a rockfill dam located in Palermo, West Virginia, along the Mud River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1992 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 75 feet and spans a length of 650 feet, providing flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 25,476 acre-feet and a drainage area of 51.3 square miles, it plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flood hazards in the region.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Upper Mud River No.2a is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential dam, its condition has been assessed as satisfactory, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, although it also serves recreational purposes, highlighting its importance in both water resource management and community engagement.
With a history of successful operation and maintenance, Upper Mud River No.2a exemplifies effective collaboration between federal and local agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in West Virginia. As a key infrastructure for flood risk reduction, this dam not only protects the surrounding area from potential disasters but also provides opportunities for recreational activities, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of water resource management in the face of climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
75 |
River Or Stream |
MUD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
306 |
Drainage Area |
51.3 |
Nid Storage |
25476 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
75 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
16cfs |
Coal River At Tornado
|
441cfs |
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
240cfs |
Hurricane Creek At Hurricane
|
12cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
870cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
4580cfs |
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.
Upper Mud River No.2a
Mud River At Palermo