Black Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Black Pond Dam, located in Putnam, West Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Situated in the Black Lick School area, this dam is state-regulated and sits on the TR of Long Branch of Poplar Fork. While the dam's structural details such as height and volume are not provided, it covers a surface area of 2.49 acres and has a high hazard potential.
Despite its recreational purpose, Black Pond Dam poses a significant risk due to its high hazard potential and lack of condition assessment rating. The last inspection conducted on the dam was in July 2015, with an inspection frequency of 2. While the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in May 2008, there is no information on whether it meets guidelines or if inundation maps have been prepared to mitigate potential risks.
With its location in a densely populated area and the absence of crucial information on its safety measures, Black Pond Dam raises concerns for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As efforts to ensure the dam's integrity and emergency preparedness are crucial, further evaluation and risk management measures may be necessary to prevent potential disasters and protect surrounding communities.
River Or Stream |
TR OF LONG BRNCH OF POPLAR FRK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.49 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
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.
Black Pond Dam
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