Upper Buffalo #33a Dam Dam
Upper Buffalo #33a Dam
Upper Buffalo #33a Dam, located in Mannington, West Virginia, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Flat Run river. Constructed in 1992 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 51 feet tall and spans 400 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 507 acre-feet. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and high hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition and meets regulatory standards set by the DWWM.
With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, Upper Buffalo #33a Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events. This local government-owned structure is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in August 2015. While the dam has a moderate risk rating, appropriate risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for the community it serves.
As an essential part of the water resource infrastructure in Marion County, Upper Buffalo #33a Dam highlights the collaborative efforts between federal agencies like the NRCS and state regulators to safeguard the region from flooding. With its strategic location and design features, this dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction efforts and serves as a critical asset for climate resilience in the area.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Upper Buffalo #33a Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Creek At Barrackville | 54 cfs | → |
| West Fork River At Enterprise | 184 cfs | → |
| Tygart Valley River At Colfax | 1,100 cfs | → |
| Deckers Creek At Morgantown | 26 cfs | → |
| Dunkard Creek At Shannopin | 55 cfs | → |
| West Fork River Near Mount Clare | 271 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Upper Buffalo #33a Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Upper Buffalo #33a Dam
Where does the data for Upper Buffalo #33a Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.