Upper Buffalo No.2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Buffalo No.2, also known as Huey Run Dam, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Deep Valley, Marion County, West Virginia.
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Summary
Constructed in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 61 feet and has a hydraulic height of 45 feet. With a storage capacity of 1119 acre-feet and serving a drainage area of 2.3 square miles, Upper Buffalo No.2 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events along Buffalo Creek.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, Upper Buffalo No.2 has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. Despite its age, the dam meets regulatory standards and undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates to manage water flow during high-risk situations. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Upper Buffalo No.2 continues to serve as a critical infrastructure for flood control in the region.
Overall, Upper Buffalo No.2 stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures in West Virginia, demonstrating the importance of proactive dam management and maintenance. As a key component in safeguarding against potential inundation and managing water levels along Buffalo Creek, this earth dam serves as a vital resource for climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike. With a history of satisfactory condition assessments and regular inspections, Upper Buffalo No.2 remains a reliable structure in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
364 |
Dam Height |
61 |
River Or Stream |
BUFFALO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
45 |
Drainage Area |
2.3 |
Nid Storage |
1119 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
61 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Fork River At Enterprise
|
398cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Barrackville
|
25cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Colfax
|
1380cfs |
West Fork River Near Mount Clare
|
271cfs |
Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton
|
1320cfs |
Three Fork Creek Nr Grafton
|
63cfs |
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 Buffalo No.2
Whetstone Rn Nr Mannington