Ragland Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
The Ragland Slurry Impoundment in Ragland, West Virginia, is a private earth dam structure primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
With a height of 370 feet and a storage capacity of 5300 acre-feet, this impoundment poses a high hazard potential. Despite not being state-regulated or inspected, the Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees its regulatory and inspection activities.
Located in Mingo County, the Ragland Slurry Impoundment is a critical infrastructure for managing tailings in the region. While details on its condition assessment and emergency preparedness are not available, its significant height and storage capacity highlight the importance of monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and integrity. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find the operational and regulatory aspects of this structure intriguing in the context of environmental sustainability and risk management.
As a key component of the mining operations in the area, the Ragland Slurry Impoundment plays a crucial role in managing waste materials effectively. Its design and construction, overseen by private entities, reflect the intricate balance between industrial needs and environmental considerations. With its high hazard potential and lack of state regulation, ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to mitigate any potential risks and safeguard the surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
370 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
5300 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
370 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Tug Fork At Williamson
|
300cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Tug Fork At Kermit
|
406cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
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.
Ragland Slurry Impoundment