Poplar Fork Dam, also known as Jonathan Larck Reservoir, is a vital water supply structure located in Putnam, West Virginia.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by the local government, this earth-type dam was completed in 1961 and stands at a height of 19 feet, with a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply for the region, with a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres.
Managed by the West Virginia Division of Water and Waste Management, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2015, the dam undergoes inspections every 3 years. Although no spillway is mentioned, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of the Poplar Fork stream, with a drainage area of 9.86 square miles.
Overall, Poplar Fork Dam stands as a critical infrastructure for water supply in the region, highlighting the importance of proper regulation and maintenance in safeguarding our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions. Its impact on the local community and ecosystem makes it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
476 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
POPLAR FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
9.86 |
Nid Storage |
105 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Hurricane Creek At Hurricane
|
12cfs |
Coal River At Tornado
|
391cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
4570cfs |
Pocatalico River At Sissonville
|
48cfs |
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
234cfs |
Symmes Creek At Aid Oh
|
92cfs |