Aldrich Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Aldrich Branch Slurry Impoundment, located in Naugatuck, West Virginia, is a private-owned structure primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
The impoundment is an earth dam with a height of 560 feet and a storage capacity of 15,875 acre-feet. Despite not being state-regulated, the Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees its regulatory and inspection processes.
With a high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Aldrich Branch Slurry Impoundment is currently not available, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The structure has not been modified in recent years, and there are no associated structures or outlet gates. While the impoundment does not fall under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, its significant height and storage capacity warrant attention from water resource and climate enthusiasts concerned about potential environmental risks.
In the absence of detailed risk assessments and emergency preparedness measures, it is crucial for stakeholders to monitor the condition of Aldrich Branch Slurry Impoundment closely. The impoundment's location in Mingo County, West Virginia, highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of such structures in regions prone to natural disasters or environmental challenges. As efforts are made to enhance risk management practices and establish emergency protocols, concerns linger about the potential impact of the impoundment on water resources and surrounding communities.
Dam Length |
3191 |
Dam Height |
560 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
15875 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
560 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
406cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
300cfs |
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
13cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
22cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
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.
Aldrich Branch Slurry Impoundment