Poplar Fork Dam
Poplar Fork Dam is an earth dam located in Putnam County, West Virginia, built in 1961. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Poplar Fork Dam
The primary purpose of Poplar Fork Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by South Putnam Psd (local government). It impounds the Poplar Fork near Black Lick School.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 476 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 105 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1961, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/31/2022.
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Location
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Putnam |
| Nearest City | Black Lick School |
| River/Stream | Poplar Fork |
| Coordinates | 38.46778, -81.93778 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 476 ft |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 105 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 105 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 36 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | SOUTH PUTNAM PSD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WV07917 |
| Federal ID | WV07917 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |