Mountain Valley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Mountain Valley Dam, also known as Jumping Branch-Nimitz, is a key flood risk reduction structure located in Summers, West Virginia.


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Summary

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.