Cunningham Hollow Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cunningham Hollow Slurry Impoundment in West Virginia is a privately owned earth dam structure that was completed in 2003.
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Summary
This impoundment, located in Marshall County near the city of Benwood, is regulated by the state's Department of Mining and Reclamation (DMR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. With a dam height of 363 feet and a storage capacity of over 2,000 acre-feet, this impoundment plays a crucial role in managing wastewater generated from mining activities in the region.
The impoundment is situated along Boggs Run of the Ohio River and covers a surface area of 48.2 acres, serving as a vital resource for water storage and management. It has a high hazard potential and is classified as not rated in terms of condition assessment. Despite the lack of detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures, the impoundment remains an important feature in the region's water resource infrastructure. With the potential for high-volume discharge and a large drainage area, the impoundment's role in mitigating the impacts of climate events on water resources cannot be understated.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and assess the impact of infrastructure like Cunningham Hollow Slurry Impoundment, it is essential to recognize the critical role these structures play in managing water resources, especially in regions with high industrial activity. The impoundment's design, capacity, and regulatory oversight highlight the importance of sustainable water management practices, ensuring the safety and reliability of water resources for both current and future generations. By understanding and addressing the challenges posed by such structures, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the resilience of water resources in the face of climate variability and change.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
950 |
Dam Height |
363 |
River Or Stream |
BOGGS RUN OF OHIO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
48.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
363 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
2037 |
Structural Height |
363 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
363 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cunningham Hollow Slurry Impoundment
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