Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment
Key Takeaway
Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment is classified as high hazard in West Virginia. It was completed in 2006 and is 20 years old. 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 | 150 ft (taller than 90.3% in WV) |
| Dam Length | 1,900 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 19.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 249 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 75,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2006 (20 years old) |
| NID ID | WV06712 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
POWER MOUNTAIN COAL COMPANY
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment?
Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse 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 Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment?
Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment is owned by POWER MOUNTAIN COAL COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment built?
Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment was completed in 2006, making it 20 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 Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment?
Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse 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 Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment?
Sugar Camp Branch Coal Refuse Impoundment has a dam height of 150 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.