Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment in Pike, Kentucky, is a private tailings dam with a height of 370 feet and a storage capacity of 2270 acre-feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this earth dam poses a high hazard potential due to its significant height and storage volume. Despite not being state-regulated or inspected, it is crucial to monitor the condition of this impoundment to ensure its structural integrity and prevent any potential environmental hazards.
Located in a rural area with no nearby river or stream, the Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment serves as a critical storage facility for tailings materials. With no information on its construction date or recent inspections available, there is a need for increased transparency and accountability in the monitoring and maintenance of this dam. Given its high hazard potential, it is essential to have emergency action plans in place and regularly assess the risk associated with its operation.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to advocate for proper oversight and maintenance of structures like the Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment to prevent any potential disasters. By staying informed and raising awareness about the importance of dam safety, we can work towards ensuring the protection of our natural resources and surrounding communities from the risks posed by high-hazard dams like this one.
Dam Length |
1380 |
Dam Height |
370 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
2270 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
370 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
365cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
21cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
492cfs |
Grapevine Creek Near Phyllis
|
5cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1460cfs |
Levisa Fork At Big Rock
|
134cfs |
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.
Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment