Mod Branch Dam No.4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Mod Branch Dam No.4, located in McDowell, West Virginia, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of serving as a water resource for the area.
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Summary
This dam, standing at a height of 35 feet and a length of 146 feet, has a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a surface area of 2 acres. While its hazard potential is currently undetermined and its condition is not rated, Mod Branch Dam No.4 plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Situated on the Mod Branch river, this dam is part of the Wilmington District and is not regulated by the state. It has not undergone inspections or assessments for emergency preparedness, but its significance in providing water storage and management cannot be overstated. With its construction dating back to the 1970s, Mod Branch Dam No.4 stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in ensuring water security in the face of changing climate patterns.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like Mod Branch Dam No.4 is vital in comprehending the broader implications of water management and climate change adaptation. While this dam may not have a designated spillway or detailed risk assessment, its presence highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard water resources in regions like McDowell, West Virginia. As debates around water security and climate resilience continue to gain prominence, the significance of structures like Mod Branch Dam No.4 in ensuring sustainable water management practices cannot be overlooked.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
146 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
MOD BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Welch
|
90cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
59cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Bluestone River At Falls Mills
|
31cfs |
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.
Mod Branch #1 Dam