Oldhouse Branch Impoundment No. 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Oldhouse Branch Impoundment No.
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Summary
3 is a private earth dam located in Emmett, West Virginia, within the Huntington District. This dam, with a height of 440 feet, serves primarily for tailings storage with a storage capacity of 2141 acre-feet. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, the Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees its operations and inspections, highlighting its significance in the mining industry.
With a hazard potential classified as high, the condition assessment of Oldhouse Branch Impoundment No. 3 is currently marked as "Not Available." This raises concerns about its structural integrity and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding environment and communities. The lack of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated contact information further emphasizes the need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety of the dam and prevent any potential disasters.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Oldhouse Branch Impoundment No. 3 underscores the importance of monitoring and maintaining the integrity of critical infrastructure like dams. With its significant height and storage capacity, this dam plays a crucial role in the mining operations in the area. However, the lack of regulatory oversight and updated risk assessments highlight the need for improved safety measures to mitigate potential hazards and protect the surrounding ecosystem and communities from any adverse impacts.
Dam Length |
1195 |
Dam Height |
440 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
2141 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
440 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Clear Fork At Clear Fork
|
64cfs |
Guyandotte River Near Baileysville
|
165cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Panther Creek Near Panther
|
9cfs |
Dry Fork At Beartown
|
59cfs |
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.
Oldhouse Branch Impoundment No. 3