Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam

Tr-Granite Creek· Ferry, Washington· Built 1940· Earth·
Significant Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam is classified as significant hazard in Washington. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage625 acre-ft
Normal Storage365 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge166 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDWA00379

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Washington Dept of Ecology

Ownership

Hecla Mining Co.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam?

Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam?

Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam is owned by Hecla Mining Co. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam built?

Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam?

Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam last inspected?

Hecla-Day Mine Aspen Tailings Dam was last inspected on June 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.