Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment

Pike, Kentucky· Earth· 370 ft tall

High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Lick 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	370 ft (taller than 98.2% in KY)
Dam Length	1,380 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	2.3K acre-ft

NID ID	KY83560

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

Lexington Coal, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Long Fork Slurry Impoundment

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Sukey Branch Slurry Impoundment

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Sidney Slurry Impoundment

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Millstone Branch Slurry Impoundment No. 1

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High Hazard 285 ft

Millstone Branch Slurry Impoundment No.2

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High Hazard 200 ft

High Ridge Slurry Impoundment

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High Hazard 285 ft

Big Groundhog Slurry Impoundment

Pike, KY

High Hazard 412 ft

Lick Branch Refuse Impoundment

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High Hazard 250 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Upper Lick 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 Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment is owned by Lexington Coal, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Upper Lick 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 Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment?

Upper Lick Branch Slurry Impoundment has a dam height of 370 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.