Huffman Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Huffman Dam, located in Mason, West Virginia, serves as a vital recreational spot along the unnamed tributary of West Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 2010, this private-owned dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 250 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet. Despite its impressive size and scenic surroundings, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to ensure public safety.
Managed by the state regulatory agency DWWM, Huffman Dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, highlighting the commitment to maintaining its structural integrity. Although the dam's primary purpose is recreation, the lack of drainage area and spillway width information raises concerns about its capacity to handle potential flooding events. Furthermore, the dam's emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, seem to be lacking, posing a potential risk to nearby communities in the event of a breach.
Despite its maintenance challenges, Huffman Dam remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities in a picturesque setting. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the need for robust risk management measures and regular inspections becomes increasingly crucial to safeguard both the dam's structural integrity and the surrounding ecosystem. Through proactive monitoring and maintenance efforts, Huffman Dam can continue to provide safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for visitors while mitigating potential hazards associated with its aging infrastructure.
Year Completed |
2010 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIB OF WEST CREEK |
Nid Storage |
57 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Huffman Dam