Horse Creek Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Located in Simon, West Virginia, Horse Creek Dam #1 is a state-regulated earth dam constructed in 1956 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 46 feet and a length of 350 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 277 acre-feet and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. The dam is situated on the Guyandotte River, within the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water and Waste Management.

Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential and fair condition, Horse Creek Dam #1 undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The last inspection was conducted in December 2015, with emergency action plans in place to address any unforeseen events. The dam's primary purpose of recreation attracts visitors to enjoy its seven-acre surface area, making it an essential part of the local community's water resource and climate management efforts.

Managed by the state of West Virginia, Horse Creek Dam #1 is a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, offering both recreational opportunities and water resource management benefits. Its low hazard potential and fair condition underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and inspection to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Horse Creek Dam #1 play a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also safeguarding against potential risks.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

46

River Or Stream

GUYANDOTTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Nid Storage

277

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.