Whitney Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whitney Tailings, also known as Pierce-Whitney T Basin, is a private-owned tailings structure located in St.


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Summary

Louis County, Minnesota. Completed in 1960, the earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and stretches for 9200 feet, with a storage capacity of 4825 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Whitney Tailings is for storing tailings, and it is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Despite being categorized as low hazard potential with a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Whitney Tailings has not been inspected since November 2010. The dam is situated in a closed system near a river or stream, with a drainage area of 16 acres. The structure's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are currently not available, raising concerns about the readiness for potential hazards or emergencies.

Given the lack of recent inspections and data on emergency preparedness, water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Whitney Tailings an intriguing case study in monitoring and managing potential risks associated with tailings storage facilities. The structure's location in a populated area and its proximity to a closed water system highlight the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

9200

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

CLOSED SYSTEM - OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Nid Storage

4825

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.