Middle Fork Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Middle Fork Impoundment in Davella, Kentucky, is a private earth dam structure primarily designed for tailings storage with a height of 190 feet and a storage capacity of 13,802 acre-feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this impoundment poses a high hazard potential due to its size and purpose. Located in Martin County, the dam has not been inspected recently, and its condition assessment is not available.
Despite being regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Middle Fork Impoundment does not fall under state jurisdiction or permitting. The dam, completed in an unknown year, serves as a crucial storage facility for tailings but lacks detailed information on its structural components and maintenance history. With no emergency action plan in place and no updated risk assessment, there are concerns about the impoundment's safety and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding community and environment.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Middle Fork Impoundment's lack of transparency and oversight troubling, given its high hazard potential and unknown maintenance history. As a privately owned structure with limited regulatory involvement, there is a need for increased monitoring and risk assessment to ensure the safety of the dam and prevent potential disasters. Further research and public awareness are essential to address the uncertainties surrounding this critical water management facility in Martin County, Kentucky.
Dam Length |
745 |
Dam Height |
190 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
13802 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
190 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Levisa Fork At Paintsville
|
1880cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
492cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
21cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
365cfs |
Levisa Fork At Pikeville
|
1460cfs |
Licking River Below Mason Fork Nr Salyersville
|
41cfs |
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.
Middle Fork Impoundment