Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Chess Refuse Disposal Area No.
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Summary
1, located in Sylvester, West Virginia, is a privately owned tailings dam with a primary purpose of storing tailings. The dam, with a height of 780 feet and a length of 2000 feet, has a storage capacity of 37,710 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available.
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1 is not regulated by the state and does not require state permitting, inspection, or enforcement. While the dam has not undergone any modifications or inspections recently, it serves as a critical structure for the storage of tailings in the region. With its location in Boone County, West Virginia, the dam plays a crucial role in managing waste materials from mining activities in the area.
Although specific details on the risk assessment, emergency action plan, and inundation maps are not available for Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1, the dam's presence highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining such structures to prevent potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and water resources. As a key component of the local mining infrastructure, this tailings dam serves as a vital piece of the puzzle in managing waste materials effectively and responsibly in the region.
Dam Length |
2000 |
Dam Height |
780 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
37710 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
780 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Fork At Whitesville
|
19cfs |
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
234cfs |
Kanawha River At Kanawha Falls
|
2880cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
4570cfs |
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.
Chess Refuse Disposal Area No. 1