Big Branch Coal Refuse Facility Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Big Branch Coal Refuse Facility in Clay, West Virginia, is a privately owned dam with a height of 260 feet and a length of 1900 feet completed in 1997.
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Summary
The dam is situated on the Big Branch of Lilly Fork and has a storage capacity of 4828 acre-feet, serving a primary purpose of "other." The facility is regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and is subject to state inspection and enforcement.
With a hazard potential rated as high, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam's drainage area is 0.53 square miles, and it covers a surface area of 71.7 acres. Despite its critical role in water resource management, the dam lacks an emergency action plan and has not undergone a risk assessment.
Given its significant storage capacity and location near residential areas, the Big Branch Coal Refuse Facility presents a potential risk in the event of a dam failure. To ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the dam, it is essential for proper risk management measures to be implemented, including the development of an emergency action plan and regular condition assessments.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
1900 |
Dam Height |
260 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BRANCH OF LILLY FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
71.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
260 |
Drainage Area |
0.53 |
Nid Storage |
4828 |
Structural Height |
260 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
260 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Elk River At Clay
|
11200cfs |
Peters Creek Near Lockwood
|
53cfs |
Gauley River Above Belva
|
1610cfs |
Elk River At Queen Shoals
|
995cfs |
Birch River At Herold
|
11cfs |
Kanawha River At Kanawha Falls
|
5660cfs |
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.
Big Branch Coal Refuse Facility