Sands Hill Slurry Impoundment Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sands Hill Slurry Impoundment Dam, located in Vinton, Ohio, is a privately owned rockfill dam completed in 1992 with a height of 131 feet and a length of 900 feet.
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Summary
The dam primarily serves the purpose of storing tailings and has a storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location near the tributary to Sugar Run. Despite being in operation for nearly three decades, the condition of Sands Hill Slurry Impoundment Dam has not been rated. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are not readily available, raising concerns about the level of preparedness in case of a catastrophic event. With its proximity to residential areas and environmental resources, the safety and maintenance of this dam are crucial for protecting the surrounding community and ecosystem.
As a significant structure in the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Sands Hill Slurry Impoundment Dam requires continued monitoring and assessment to mitigate potential risks and ensure its long-term stability. The involvement of private ownership, state regulators, and engineering consultants like Bowser-Morner, Inc. underscores the collaborative efforts needed to safeguard water resources and address climate-related challenges in the region. By prioritizing safety measures and investing in infrastructure improvements, Sands Hill Slurry Impoundment Dam can fulfill its critical role in managing tailings while minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing overall resilience to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
131 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SUGAR RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
1200 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
131 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Raccoon Creek Near Ewington Oh
|
18cfs |
Raccoon Creek Near Bolin Mills Oh
|
47cfs |
Raccoon Creek At Adamsville Oh
|
130cfs |
Scioto River At Higby Oh
|
1480cfs |
Hocking River At Athens Oh
|
211cfs |
Monday Creek At Doanville Oh
|
48cfs |
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.
Sands Hill Slurry Impoundment Dam
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