Kyanite Mine Waste Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Kyanite Mine Waste Dam #2, located in Bedford, Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam standing at a height of 55 feet along Whispering Creek.


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Summary

With a storage capacity of 1880 acre-feet, this dam serves a primary purpose different from traditional water resource projects. Despite being unregulated by the state and lacking detailed information on its construction and design, the dam's condition remains unrated, posing an undetermined hazard potential.

While the dam's inspection frequency is listed as zero and its emergency action plan status is unspecified, its risk assessment and management measures are not documented. The absence of inundation maps and a designated DSAC assignment date further highlight the need for comprehensive monitoring and safety protocols. With the risk profile and potential consequences of failure remaining unclear, stakeholders and environmental enthusiasts may seek further information and action to ensure the safety and sustainability of Kyanite Mine Waste Dam #2.

In the absence of state regulation and detailed oversight, the condition and safety of Kyanite Mine Waste Dam #2 raise concerns for nearby communities and the surrounding environment. Given its unique purpose and potential impact on Whispering Creek, advocates for water resource management and climate resilience may call for increased transparency, monitoring, and risk mitigation measures to safeguard against any unforeseen incidents or environmental harm.

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

WHISPERING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

55

Nid Storage

1880

Structural Height

55

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Nid Height

55
       
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.