Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment, also known as Beth-Elkhorn Mine No.


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Summary

22 Razorblade Branch Refuse Impoundment, is a privately owned tailings dam located in Letcher, Kentucky. This Earth dam stands at an impressive height of 422 feet and has a storage capacity of 13,153 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the dam is not under state jurisdiction or permitting.

The high hazard potential of Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment raises concerns about its safety and the potential risks associated with its condition. Inspections and assessments are not readily available, indicating a lack of information on the dam's current state. With no Emergency Action Plan in place and limited risk management measures identified, there is a need for increased awareness and preparedness to mitigate any potential hazards that may arise.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment serves as a critical case study in understanding the complexities and challenges associated with managing tailings dams. With its significant height and storage capacity, coupled with a high hazard potential, this impoundment underscores the importance of effective regulation, inspection, and emergency preparedness measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

Dam Length

1840

Dam Height

422

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

13153

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

422
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.