South Fork No.32 Reservoir Report
Nearby: South Fork No. 33 South Fork No.18
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Pendleton, West Virginia, the South Fork No.32 dam is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1962.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a height of 59.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 48.5 feet, this earth dam on the South Fork River serves a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. It has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet and a normal storage of 8 acre-feet, providing essential protection for the area.
The dam has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the South Fork No.32 dam meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Although its spillway is uncontrolled, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 4451 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water flow management during flood events. As a significant structure in the area, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community from potential disasters.
In the event of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) preparation status and adherence to guidelines are unclear. However, with a moderate risk assessment rating, the South Fork No.32 dam faces potential risks that are being actively managed by relevant authorities. As a key part of flood risk reduction efforts in the region, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience strategies in West Virginia.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
59.5 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
48.5 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
60 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Todd Lake Recreation Area
|
||
Brandywine Recreation Area
|
||
Hone Quarry Campground
|
||
Brandywine campground
|
||
North River Campground
|
South Fork No.32
North River Campground To Camp May Flather