Jacks Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Jacks Branch Slurry Impoundment in Peytona, West Virginia, is a private tailings dam with a height of 365 feet and a storage capacity of 4690 acre-feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this earth dam poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location. While not regulated by the state, this impoundment serves as a critical storage facility for tailings in the area.
Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of Jacks Branch Slurry Impoundment is not available, raising concerns about its safety and stability. With no state jurisdiction or permitting requirements, the impoundment's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans are also not documented. The dam, which was completed at an unknown date, lacks crucial information such as inspection frequency and last inspection date, leaving its structural integrity and potential environmental impact uncertain.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Jacks Branch Slurry Impoundment will find a complex and potentially risky structure that demands further attention and oversight. With its significant storage capacity and high hazard potential, this tailings dam in Boone County, West Virginia, raises important questions about safety, regulation, and emergency preparedness within the mining industry. As a privately owned facility with limited state involvement, the impoundment's condition and risk management practices warrant closer scrutiny to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
Dam Length |
2200 |
Dam Height |
365 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
4690 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
365 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
240cfs |
Clear Fork At Whitesville
|
18cfs |
Coal River At Tornado
|
441cfs |
Kanawha River At Charleston
|
4580cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
870cfs |
Kanawha River At Kanawha Falls
|
6420cfs |
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.
Jacks Branch Slurry Impoundment