South Fork No.15 Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Fork No.16 South Fork No.14
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
South Fork No.15 is a significant earth dam located in Brandywine, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1970, this dam stands at a height of 88.4 feet with a hydraulic height of 85.4 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 2218 acre-feet and a normal storage of 74 acre-feet. With a hazard potential rated as high and a satisfactory condition assessment, South Fork No.15 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, this dam on Mitter Run in Pendleton County serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control, covering a drainage area of 5.58 square miles. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 28,434 cubic feet per second. Maintained by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, South Fork No.15 undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in April 2017, ensuring its structural integrity and functionality in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flood events.
While deemed to have a moderate risk level according to the risk assessment, South Fork No.15 remains a crucial component in the region's water resource management system. With its strategic location and design features, this earth dam continues to play a vital role in flood risk reduction efforts, showcasing the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and federal entities to ensure the safety and resilience of the community in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
690 |
Dam Height |
88.4 |
River Or Stream |
MITTER RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
55.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
85.4 |
Drainage Area |
5.58 |
Nid Storage |
2218 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
88 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Brandywine campground
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Brandywine Recreation Area
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Hone Quarry Campground
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South Fork No.15