Big Groundhog Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Big Groundhog Slurry Impoundment, located in Blackburn Bottom, Pike County, Kentucky, is a privately owned tailings dam with a primary purpose of storing tailings.
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Summary
The dam, classified as an earth dam, stands at a height of 412 feet and spans a length of 1900 feet, with a storage capacity of 10,763 acre-feet. Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this impoundment is not regulated by the state and has a high hazard potential.
Despite lacking state oversight, the Big Groundhog Slurry Impoundment poses a potential risk due to its high hazard classification and the lack of available condition assessment data. As of the most recent update in 2021, key information such as the dam's completion year, surface area, drainage area, and spillway type remain unknown. With no emergency action plan in place and limited risk management measures identified, there is a need for increased monitoring and evaluation to ensure the safety and stability of this significant water resource infrastructure.
Dam Length |
1900 |
Dam Height |
412 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
10763 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
412 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
21cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1460cfs |
Grapevine Creek Near Phyllis
|
5cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
365cfs |
Levisa Fork At Big Rock
|
134cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
492cfs |
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.
Big Groundhog Slurry Impoundment