King Branch Slurry Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
King Branch Slurry Dam, located in Kite, Kentucky, is a private earth dam primarily designed for tailings storage.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 214 feet with a length of 820 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 2,459 acre-feet. While not state-regulated, this dam falls under the oversight of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, highlighting its importance in the mining industry.
With a high hazard potential, the condition assessment of King Branch Slurry Dam is currently not available, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance. Despite the lack of state jurisdiction, the Mine Safety and Health Administration conducts inspections to ensure safety standards are met. The dam's last inspection date was in April 2021, indicating ongoing efforts to monitor its structural integrity.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, King Branch Slurry Dam serves as a significant structure in the Kentucky landscape, showcasing the intricate balance between industrial operations and environmental conservation. As a key component in the mining industry, this dam underscores the importance of responsible management and regulatory oversight to prevent potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Dam Length |
820 |
Dam Height |
214 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
2459 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
214 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
King Branch Slurry Dam