Twin Branch No.1 Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Horse Creek Dam #1 Mod Branch #1 Dam
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Twin Branch No.1 Dam, located in McDowell County, West Virginia, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, having been completed in 1920.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam on the Tug Fork River spans 467 feet in length, with a height of 52 feet, providing a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other," indicating its multi-functional use in the region.
Despite its age, Twin Branch No.1 Dam maintains a fair condition assessment as of April 2018, with a high hazard potential attributed to its location and design. The dam is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency, DWWM, ensuring that safety standards are met and upheld. Its strategic position on the Tug Fork River underscores its importance in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Twin Branch No.1 Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of dam construction and the ongoing efforts to maintain and regulate these critical infrastructure elements. With its location in a region prone to flooding and its significant storage capacity, the dam plays a vital role in safeguarding communities and managing water flow in the McDowell County area.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
467 |
Dam Height |
52 |
River Or Stream |
TUG FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
1.28 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
52 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Welch
|
90cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
59cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
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.
Twin Branch No.1 Dam