Delbarton Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Delbarton Slurry Impoundment, located in Mingo County, West Virginia, is a privately owned earth dam structure completed in 2004 with a primary purpose of "Other." This large impoundment has a dam height of 760 feet, making it a significant feature in the area.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It has a storage capacity of 14,702 acre-feet and a surface area of 41 acres, with a drainage area of 0.23 square miles.
The impoundment is situated along Pigeon Creek and is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Mining and Reclamation. It is also subject to inspections by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. With a high hazard potential, it is crucial to monitor the condition of the dam to ensure the safety of surrounding communities. Despite being labeled as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the impoundment serves as a key water resource in the region.
Delbarton Slurry Impoundment raises important concerns about the potential risks associated with large-scale earth dam structures, especially in a region prone to mining activities. The presence of a high hazard potential warrants continued monitoring and assessment to prevent any potential disasters. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the regulations, inspections, and emergency preparedness measures related to such impoundments is crucial for ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of surrounding ecosystems.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
3460 |
Dam Height |
760 |
River Or Stream |
PIGEON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41 |
Hydraulic Height |
755.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
14702 |
Structural Height |
760 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
760 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
300cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
406cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
22cfs |
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
13cfs |
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.
Delbarton Slurry Impoundment