Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment

Letcher, Kentucky· Earth· 422 ft tall
High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Razorblade Branch 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 422 ft (taller than 98.7% in KY)
Dam Length1,840 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage13.2K acre-ft
NID IDKY00663

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: Yes
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Deane Mining LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Razorblade Branch 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 Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment is owned by Deane Mining LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Razorblade Branch 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 Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Razorblade Branch Slurry Impoundment has a dam height of 422 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.