Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet over a surface area of 3.3 acres. Despite not having a spillway, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (AKDNR) to ensure compliance with state regulations and safety standards.
With a significant hazard potential and a high risk rating, the Grant Mine Tailings Dam poses a potential threat in case of a breach or failure. Although not currently rated for its condition, the dam undergoes inspections every three years to monitor and assess its structural integrity. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully developed and assessed, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Grant Mine Tailings Dam can appreciate its role in tailings management and the need for ongoing regulatory oversight and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. The dam's location in Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska, and its earth construction highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure practices in managing mining by-products and preventing environmental contamination.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Height |
30 |
Surface Area |
3.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Grant Mine Tailings Dam