Harmon Branch Refuse Disposal Facility Reservoir Report
Nearby: Anawalt Lake Dam Falls Mill Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Harmon Branch Refuse Disposal Facility in Jenkinjones, West Virginia, is a private tailings dam with a height of 294 feet and a length of 695 feet.
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Summary
The dam has a storage capacity of 576 acre-feet and is primarily used for tailings disposal. Despite not being regulated by the state, the facility is overseen by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, with high hazard potential due to its size and location.
The dam, classified as an earth dam, poses a significant risk in the event of a failure, although its current condition assessment is not available. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are also not specified for the facility. The area is represented by Congresswoman Carol Miller, and the dam is not under the jurisdiction of any state regulatory agency. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find the Harmon Branch Refuse Disposal Facility an intriguing case study for understanding the challenges and risks associated with private tailings dams in less regulated regions like McDowell County, West Virginia.
With its high hazard potential and lack of state oversight, the Harmon Branch Refuse Disposal Facility serves as a reminder of the importance of proper monitoring and maintenance of such structures. The facility's location in a region with a history of mining activities highlights the potential environmental impact of tailings disposal and the need for comprehensive risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures. As water resources and climate change continue to be critical issues, understanding the implications of facilities like Harmon Branch is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure.
Dam Length |
695 |
Dam Height |
294 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
576 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
294 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bluestone River At Falls Mills
|
30cfs |
Tug Fork At Welch
|
105cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
87cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
246cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
12cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
107cfs |
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.
Harmon Branch Refuse Disposal Facility