Upper Deckers No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Deckers No.
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Summary
1 is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Preston, West Virginia, along the picturesque Deckers Creek. Built in 1969 and standing at an impressive height of 52 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events. Designed by Gannett Fleming and USDA NRCS, this dam is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, ensuring its proper inspection, permitting, and enforcement.
With a storage capacity of 1,628 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 96 acre-feet, Upper Deckers No. 1 covers a surface area of 25 acres and serves a drainage area of 4.98 square miles. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a hazard potential rated as significant. Despite this, the condition assessment of the dam is deemed satisfactory, providing reassurance to the local community in Arthurdale and beyond. With a moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing risk management measures are essential to maintain the dam's integrity and ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
This critical infrastructure, overseen by local government authorities and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the design, function, and regulatory framework of structures like Upper Deckers No. 1 is essential for fostering sustainable practices and protecting communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
52 |
River Or Stream |
DECKERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Drainage Area |
4.98 |
Nid Storage |
1628 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
52 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Deckers Creek At Morgantown
|
43cfs |
Big Sandy Creek At Rockville
|
138cfs |
Cheat River At Albright
|
1410cfs |
Three Fork Creek Nr Grafton
|
63cfs |
Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton
|
1320cfs |
Tygart Valley River At Colfax
|
1380cfs |
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.
Upper Deckers No. 1