Fresh Water Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Fresh Water Impoundment in Wharncliffe, West Virginia is a private water supply dam with a height of 66 feet and a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of providing water supply in the region. Although not regulated by the state, this significant hazard potential dam is not currently assessed for condition, emergency action planning, or risk management measures.

Located in Mingo County, West Virginia, Fresh Water Impoundment is a vital resource for the community of Wharncliffe. With a length of 397 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable water supply for the area. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks detailed data on its current condition, its operation falls under the oversight of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Fresh Water Impoundment can appreciate its strategic location in the Huntington District and its importance in providing water supply to the region. Despite the lack of state regulation and detailed assessment data, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for maintaining water security in Mingo County. As efforts to enhance dam safety and emergency preparedness continue, Fresh Water Impoundment remains a critical asset for the community's water resource management.

Dam Length

397

Dam Height

66

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

66
       
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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.