Shumate Creek Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
The Shumate Creek Slurry Impoundment in Edwight, West Virginia, is a private tailings dam with a height of 390 feet and a storage capacity of 10,273 acre-feet.
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Summary
Owned and operated by a private entity, this impoundment is not regulated by the state and does not have a state permit for operation or inspection. The primary purpose of this earth dam is to store tailings, and it is associated with the Mine Safety and Health Administration for regulatory oversight and inspections.
Located in Raleigh County, this high-hazard potential impoundment poses a significant risk in case of a failure. However, data on the condition assessment and emergency preparedness of the dam are not available. Despite its lack of state regulation and inspection, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is responsible for overseeing the safety and operations of the Shumate Creek Slurry Impoundment. With its large storage capacity and high hazard potential, ensuring the stability and integrity of this dam is crucial for protecting water resources and the surrounding environment.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and advocate for the safe operation and maintenance of structures like the Shumate Creek Slurry Impoundment. Given its significant storage capacity and high hazard potential, understanding the regulatory oversight, condition assessment, and emergency preparedness of this dam is essential for mitigating risks and protecting water resources in the region. Collaboration between stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the private owner is necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of this impoundment for the long-term sustainability of water resources and the environment.
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
390 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
10273 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
390 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Fork At Whitesville
|
19cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Piney Creek At Raleigh
|
36cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
234cfs |
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.
Shumate Creek Slurry Impoundment