Tinsley Branch Refuse Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Located in Dehue, West Virginia, the Tinsley Branch Refuse Impoundment is a privately owned structure used primarily for tailings storage.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 2005, stands at a height of 405 feet and has a storage capacity of 9,905 acre-feet. The impoundment covers a surface area of 81.95 acres and has a drainage area of 0.54 square miles, with a maximum discharge rate of 64.2 cubic feet per second.
Regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the Tinsley Branch Refuse Impoundment has been deemed to have an undetermined hazard potential, with its condition yet to be rated. Despite its state-regulated status, the impoundment's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and risk assessment remain unclear as of the latest data update in July 2018. As a key component in the management of mine waste, this structure plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and surrounding communities from potential hazards related to tailings storage.
The Tinsley Branch Refuse Impoundment serves as a vital resource for water and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the engineering complexities involved in managing industrial waste and ensuring the safety of surrounding regions. With its strategic location in Logan County, West Virginia, this impoundment stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance economic development with environmental stewardship in the mining industry. As further assessments and updates are conducted, stakeholders continue to monitor the impoundment's integrity and readiness to respond to emergency situations.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
2630 |
Dam Height |
405 |
River Or Stream |
TINSELY BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
81.95 |
Hydraulic Height |
397.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.54 |
Nid Storage |
9905 |
Structural Height |
405 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
405 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
300cfs |
Clear Fork At Whitesville
|
19cfs |
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.
Tinsley Branch Refuse Impoundment