Tungston Mine Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Tungston Mine Tailings Dam, also known as Ranchers Development CO Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.


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Summary

Regulated by the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Dam Safety Program, this dam serves the primary purpose of managing tailings from mining activities. With a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 600 feet, it has a significant hazard potential but was assessed to be in fair condition as of May 2019.

Despite being a private facility, the Tungston Mine Tailings Dam falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the relevant agencies. It sits on Island Creek-Tr in Vance County, North Carolina, and has a storage capacity of 17 acre-feet. While the dam is currently in fair condition, its hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the local environment.

In the event of an emergency, it is essential for the owners of the Tungston Mine Tailings Dam to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. However, details about the EAP status and other risk management measures are not available in the provided data. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the condition of such structures and advocate for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and protect water resources in the region.

Dam Length

600

River Or Stream

Island Creek-Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

17

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.