Twelvepole Refuse Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Twelvepole Refuse Impoundment, located in Dingess, West Virginia, is a privately owned tailings dam with a primary purpose of storing tailings.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 235 feet and has a length of 1165 feet, providing a storage capacity of 5680 acre-feet. Despite being classified as not state-regulated, this impoundment has a high hazard potential, making it a critical structure in terms of water resource management and climate resilience.
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Twelvepole Refuse Impoundment poses a significant risk due to its high hazard potential, although its condition assessment is currently listed as not available. The impoundment does not have a Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, indicating a potential gap in emergency preparedness and response. With limited information on risk assessment and management measures, there is a need for increased attention to ensure the safety and integrity of this structure in the face of potential climate-related challenges.
As a privately owned dam with no state jurisdiction, Twelvepole Refuse Impoundment highlights the complex landscape of water resource management in West Virginia. While the impoundment serves a critical function in tailings storage, its high hazard potential underscores the importance of comprehensive monitoring, assessment, and emergency preparedness to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems in the event of a dam failure.
Dam Length |
1165 |
Dam Height |
235 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
5680 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
235 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
East Fork Twelvepole Creek Near Dunlow
|
13cfs |
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
300cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
406cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Johns Creek Near Meta
|
22cfs |
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.
Twelvepole Refuse Impoundment