South Fork No. 17 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Fork No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

17 is a significant earth dam located in Pendleton, West Virginia, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1975 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Little Fork River. This dam stands at an impressive height of 111.5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 103.5 feet, providing storage of up to 7150 acre-feet of water and covering a surface area of 197.2 acres. With a drainage area of 17.27 square miles, South Fork No. 17 has a maximum discharge capacity of 64,427 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial structure for managing water flow during periods of heightened flood risk.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the West Virginia DWWM, South Fork No. 17 has a high hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition during the last inspection in April 2015. This dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, serving as a vital flood control measure for the surrounding area. While the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, the dam has not been modified in recent years and meets established guidelines for emergency action planning. Overall, South Fork No. 17 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of nearby communities in the event of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

885

Dam Height

111.5

River Or Stream

LITTLE FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

197.2

Hydraulic Height

103.5

Drainage Area

17.27

Nid Storage

7150

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

112
       
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.