Barrick Mercur Reservation Cnyn Tailings Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Located in Tooele, Utah, the Barrick Mercur Reservation Cnyn Tailings site is a private-owned earth dam constructed in 1984 for the purpose of tailings storage.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated along the Reservation Canyon River, this dam stands at a structural height of 270 feet with a hydraulic height of 262 feet, providing a storage capacity of 6,626 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Utah Division of Water Rights and undergoes regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.

With no associated structures and a drainage area of 0, the Barrick Mercur Reservation Cnyn Tailings dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding environment. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam is subject to inspections every five years to monitor its integrity and safety. Although the site lacks detailed risk assessment and emergency action plans, its low hazard potential suggests that it is relatively stable and poses little threat to downstream areas. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and regulation of tailings dams in Utah may find this site a compelling case study in environmental stewardship and safety protocols.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

2100

River Or Stream

RESERVATION CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

262

Nid Storage

6626

Structural Height

270

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

270
       
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.