Lotts Branch Slurry Impoundment Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Lotts Branch Slurry Impoundment, located in Prenter, West Virginia, is a private-owned earth dam primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 478 feet and with a storage capacity of 12,259 acre-feet, this impoundment poses a high hazard potential. Despite being under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, this structure is not regulated by the state and lacks state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
This impoundment, nestled in Boone County, West Virginia, is a key feature in the Huntington District. With a lack of available data on its condition assessment and emergency action plan, concerns about its safety and management arise. The absence of information on modifications, inspections, and risk assessments further underscores the need for increased oversight and accountability to ensure the protection of water resources in the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Lotts Branch Slurry Impoundment serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of industry, regulation, and environmental stewardship. As efforts continue to address the high hazard potential and lack of state oversight, the impoundment stands as a reminder of the importance of proactive monitoring and management of critical water infrastructure to safeguard against potential risks and ensure sustainable practices for future generations.
Dam Length |
1450 |
Dam Height |
478 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
12259 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
478 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Fork At Whitesville
|
19cfs |
Big Coal River At Ashford
|
234cfs |
Guyandotte River At Logan
|
1230cfs |
Guyandotte River At Man
|
968cfs |
Kanawha River At Kanawha Falls
|
2880cfs |
Coal River At Tornado
|
391cfs |
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.
Lotts Branch Slurry Impoundment