Upper Buffalo No.4, also known as Owen Davy Fork and Curtisville Lake, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Marion, West Virginia.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1984 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a storage capacity of 1485 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Upper Buffalo No.4 is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as per the last assessment conducted in 2013. Regular inspections are carried out, with the most recent one in January 2018, ensuring the structure's integrity and safety for the community it serves.
With a moderate risk assessment rating, Upper Buffalo No.4 plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks in the region. Its strategic location on Owen Davy Run and its significant storage capacity make it a key asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. As a well-maintained and efficiently operated structure, Upper Buffalo No.4 stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction infrastructure in West Virginia.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
OWEN DAVY RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.48 |
Nid Storage |
1485 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
West Fork River At Enterprise
|
398cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Barrackville
|
25cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Colfax
|
1380cfs |
West Fork River Near Mount Clare
|
271cfs |
Ohio River Above Sardis
|
20500cfs |
Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton
|
1320cfs |