Upper Buffalo Creek 37A

WHETSTONE RUN· Marion, West Virginia· Built 1990· Earth· 54 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 54 ft (taller than 59.9% in WV)
Dam Length410 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage944 acre-ft
Normal Storage76 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1990 (36 years old)
NID IDWV04931

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 30, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWWM

Ownership

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Buffalo Creek 37A?

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Upper Buffalo Creek 37A?

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A is owned by information not available (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Buffalo Creek 37A built?

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A was completed in 1990, making it 36 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Upper Buffalo Creek 37A?

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Buffalo Creek 37A?

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A has a dam height of 54 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Upper Buffalo Creek 37A last inspected?

Upper Buffalo Creek 37A was last inspected on June 30, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.