Sporn Unit 5 Flyash Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Sporn Unit 5 Flyash Dam in West Virginia is a significant earth dam used for tailings storage with a height of 65 feet and a storage capacity of 2219 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam, located in Mason County near New Haven, serves as a crucial structure for managing the byproducts of coal combustion and ensuring environmental protection. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory, with regular inspections and a designated emergency action plan.
Owned by a public utility, the Sporn Unit 5 Flyash Dam is regulated and permitted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Water and Waste Management. The dam's purpose is specifically tailored for tailings storage, with a normal storage capacity of 1840 acre-feet spread across a surface area of 70.3 acres. Despite being last inspected in 2011, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and boasts a structured emergency preparedness plan.
With a drainage area of 0.12 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 17.5 cubic feet per second, the Sporn Unit 5 Flyash Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its location within the Huntington District underscores the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure the safety and efficiency of the dam for both environmental and public safety concerns.
Dam Length |
7293 |
Dam Height |
65 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
70.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
45 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
2219 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
65 |
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.
Sporn Unit 5 Flyash Dam