Mountain Valley Dam, also known as Jumping Branch-Nimitz, is a key flood risk reduction structure located in Summers, West Virginia.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 37 feet high with a hydraulic height of 32 feet, completed in 1971. With a storage capacity of 1420 acre-feet, it serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Jumping Branch river.
The dam, constructed with stone core and supported by rock and soil foundations, covers a surface area of 39 acres and has a drainage area of 2.84 square miles. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2015. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam is regularly inspected every 2 years to ensure its safety and functionality. With uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, Mountain Valley Dam plays a crucial role in managing floodwaters and protecting downstream areas in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mountain Valley Dam offers a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks in the Mountain State. As a regulated and permitted structure under the supervision of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the dam showcases the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential water-related disasters. With a history of serving its purpose effectively for over five decades, Mountain Valley Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies in promoting water security and resilience in West Virginia.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
JUMPING BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
39 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
2.84 |
Nid Storage |
1420 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
37 |
Bluestone River Near Pipestem
|
163cfs |
Greenbrier River At Hilldale
|
575cfs |
Piney Creek At Raleigh
|
35cfs |
Greenbrier River At Alderson
|
569cfs |
New River At Glen Lyn
|
1850cfs |
New River At Thurmond
|
3650cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bluestone State Park
|
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Berry's Campground
|
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Primitive Camping
|
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Bertha - Bluestone WMA
|
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Pipestem Resort State Park
|
||
Bull Falls - Bluestone WMA
|