South Fork No.16 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Fork No.16 is a critical earth dam located in Pendleton, West Virginia, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1961 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along George Run.


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Summary

This dam stands at a height of 73.6 feet with a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1366 acre-feet. With a spillway type of "Uncontrolled," this dam has a high hazard potential and was last inspected in April 2015, showing a fair condition assessment.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. The dam's structure, made of stone core and resting on rock and soil foundations, has a hydraulic height of 67.6 feet and a length of 510 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam is equipped with uncontrolled outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 11,420 cubic feet per second.

In the event of an emergency, details on emergency action plans and preparedness measures are not currently available for South Fork No.16. However, with regular inspections and monitoring of its condition, this dam continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for flood control and protection in the region, showcasing the importance of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

73.6

River Or Stream

GEORGE RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46

Hydraulic Height

67.6

Nid Storage

1366

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

74
       
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.