Itafos Tailings Pond #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Itafos Tailings Pond #4, previously known as Agrium/Conda Tailings Pond #4, is a private-owned facility located in Soda Springs, Idaho.


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Summary

This tailings pond is regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and is designed to hold tailings from mining operations. Built in 1985, the pond stands at a height of 71 feet with a hydraulic height of 62.4 feet, covering a surface area of 260 acres with a storage capacity of 12,168 acre-feet.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Itafos Tailings Pond #4 has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of November 2020, with regular inspections and enforcement by the state regulatory agency. The pond lacks a spillway but is equipped with outlet gates. The risk assessment for this facility is classified as high, with a risk level of 2. Although the dam has not been modified over the years, it meets the state's permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Itafos Tailings Pond #4 serves as a crucial part of the mining infrastructure in Idaho, highlighting the delicate balance between resource extraction and environmental protection in the region.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

16000

Dam Height

71

River Or Stream

UNNAMED STREAM BEAR RIVER

Surface Area

260

Hydraulic Height

62.4

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

12168

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

71
       
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.