Kinross Gold Kettle River Reclaim Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Kinross Gold Kettle River Reclaim Pond is a privately owned structure in Ferry, Washington, designed by AMEC and regulated by the Washington Dept of Ecology.


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Summary

Completed in 2008, this offstream pond serves as a tailings facility with a maximum storage capacity of 19 acre-feet and a normal storage of 13.2 acre-feet. The dam is an earth type with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 20 feet, providing significant hazard potential but assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in July 2019.

Located near the North Fork of the Sanpoil River, this reclaim pond plays a crucial role in managing tailings waste from mining operations, ensuring proper storage and containment to protect the surrounding environment and water resources. The structure has been inspected every 5 years, with emergency action plans being prepared and updated as necessary to meet safety guidelines. While the risk assessment and management measures are not detailed in the available data, the facility's adherence to state regulations and enforcement mechanisms ensures ongoing compliance with safety standards.

With its strategic design and operational oversight, the Kinross Gold Kettle River Reclaim Pond showcases the intersection of water resource management and climate impact mitigation within the mining sector. As a key component of the company's environmental stewardship efforts, this structure exemplifies the industry's commitment to responsible resource extraction practices while minimizing potential risks to surrounding ecosystems and communities. By prioritizing regulatory compliance, inspection protocols, and emergency preparedness, Kinross Gold demonstrates a proactive approach to sustainable water management in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

900

River Or Stream

Offstream - NF Sanpoil R.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.02

Nid Storage

19

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.