Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment

Letcher, Kentucky· Earth· 375 ft tall
High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment is classified as high hazard in Kentucky. Its primary use is tailings. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 375 ft (taller than 98.4% in KY)
Dam Length1,400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage10.6K acre-ft
NID IDKY83451

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Sapphire Coal Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 422 ft

Keith Funk

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Low Hazard 46 ft

King Branch Slurry Dam

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High Hazard 214 ft

Oldhouse Branch Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 481 ft

Fishpond Lake Dam

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High Hazard 105 ft

Michael Cox Dam

Wise, VA

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Dixiana Mine Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment?

Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment?

Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment is owned by Sapphire Coal Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment?

Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment?

Clay Hollow Slurry Impoundment has a dam height of 375 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.