Rock House Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Rock House Branch Slurry Impoundment in Omar, West Virginia is a private-owned tailings dam with a primary purpose of storing tailings.
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Summary
The dam is classified as an Earth type with a height of 482 feet and a storage capacity of 7,060 acre-feet. Located in Logan County, this impoundment has a high hazard potential, indicating the potential risk to surrounding communities in the event of a failure.
Despite being regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this impoundment is not subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, or inspection. With no information available on the condition assessment, emergency action plan, or risk management measures, there is a lack of transparency regarding the safety and maintenance of the structure. Although the dam is not owned by a federal agency, its potential impact on water resources and the environment should be of concern to water resource and climate enthusiasts.
In light of the limited information available and the high hazard potential associated with Rock House Branch Slurry Impoundment, further monitoring, evaluation, and risk assessment may be necessary to ensure the safety of this structure and the surrounding community. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should advocate for increased transparency, oversight, and accountability to prevent potential disasters and protect the environment.
Dam Length |
1170 |
Dam Height |
482 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
7060 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
482 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
300cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
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.
Rock House Branch Slurry Impoundment