Amonate Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Amonate Slurry Impoundment, located in McDowell, West Virginia, is a private-owned structure primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at an impressive height of 384 feet and spans a length of 2000 feet, with a storage capacity of 4465 acre-feet. While it is not state-regulated, it falls under the oversight of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, indicating its significance in the mining industry.
With a high hazard potential, Amonate Slurry Impoundment poses a risk that warrants careful monitoring and assessment, although specific condition assessment data is not available. Despite lacking state regulation, the structure's critical role in the mining operations underscores the importance of ensuring its safety and integrity. Ensuring that emergency action plans and risk management measures are in place is crucial for mitigating potential hazards associated with this impoundment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Amonate Slurry Impoundment serves as a fascinating case study of a privately-owned structure with significant storage capacity and height. Its location in McDowell, West Virginia, highlights the intersection of environmental concerns and industrial activities, underscoring the need for effective monitoring and risk management practices to safeguard surrounding communities and ecosystems. As discussions around water resource management and climate resilience continue to evolve, structures like Amonate Slurry Impoundment offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between infrastructure development and environmental stewardship.
Dam Length |
2000 |
Dam Height |
384 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
4465 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
384 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
87cfs |
Tug Fork At Welch
|
105cfs |
Bluestone River At Falls Mills
|
30cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
12cfs |
N F Holston River Near Saltville
|
140cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
246cfs |
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.
Amonate Slurry Impoundment