Turkeypen Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Nearby: Abner Fork Dam Saddle Fork Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Turkeypen Branch Slurry Impoundment, located in Totz, Harlan County, Kentucky, is a private tailings dam with a height of 425 feet and a storage capacity of 1596 acre-feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this earth dam serves as a containment structure for waste materials from mining activities. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available.
The dam, completed in an unspecified year, is not regulated by the state of Kentucky and does not have a state inspection or enforcement program in place. It is classified as non-federally owned and operated with no associated structures. The primary purpose of Turkeypen Branch Slurry Impoundment is for tailings storage, and it does not have a designated spillway or drainage area specified. With a risk assessment and emergency action plan status unknown, the dam presents a potential risk to the surrounding environment and community in the event of a failure.
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
425 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
1596 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
425 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Poor Fork At Cumberland
|
103cfs |
Cumberland River Near Harlan
|
582cfs |
Martins Fork Near Smith
|
144cfs |
Martins Fork Above Smith
|
59cfs |
Cutshin Creek At Wooton
|
25cfs |
Powell River Near Jonesville
|
548cfs |
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.
Turkeypen Branch Slurry Impoundment