New Creek Dam No.17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

New Creek Dam No.17, also known as Ash Spring Run, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Mineral County, West Virginia.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1960 by USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Ash Spring Run. With a height of 68.3 feet and a storage capacity of 534 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential inundation during heavy rains and storms.

Managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water and Waste Management, New Creek Dam No.17 has been deemed to have a high hazard potential, yet is in satisfactory condition after a recent inspection in 2015. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 11,841.4 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2018, indicating a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.

With its strategic location in the Pittsburgh District and oversight by state regulatory agencies, New Creek Dam No.17 stands as a vital component in the region's water resource management system. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam exemplifies the concerted efforts to mitigate flood risks and safeguard communities against potential disasters, highlighting the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance practices in ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1750

Dam Height

68.3

River Or Stream

ASH SPRING RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

55.3

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

534

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

68
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.