Upper Buffalo No.16 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Marion, West Virginia, Upper Buffalo No.16 is a local government-owned earth dam designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1981.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 68.7 feet and with a length of 365 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Hibbs Run. With a storage capacity of 1,270 acre-feet and a normal storage of 580 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 32.7 acres and drains an area of 887 square miles.
This high hazard potential dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2013 and a moderate risk rating. It is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in January 2018. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with no associated locks. Despite its age, Upper Buffalo No.16 continues to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flood events, highlighting the importance of effective water resource management in mitigating climate-related risks.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Buffalo No.16 offers a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and flood risk reduction efforts. Its presence underscores the critical role of government agencies like NRCS and DWWM in ensuring the safety and stability of such structures. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Upper Buffalo No.16 become increasingly vital in protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems from the impacts of flooding.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
365 |
Dam Height |
68.7 |
River Or Stream |
HIBBS RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32.7 |
Drainage Area |
887 |
Nid Storage |
1270 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
69 |
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 |
Deckers Creek At Morgantown
|
43cfs |
Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton
|
1320cfs |
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.16
Whetstone Rn Nr Mannington