Western Nuclear Tailings Pond

About Western Nuclear Tailings Pond

The primary purpose of Western Nuclear Tailings Pond is tailings. Tailings dams contain waste material from mining operations — typically a slurry of finely ground rock left over after valuable minerals have been extracted. These structures require ongoing monitoring because tailings can contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The dam is owned by Spokane Tribe Natural Resources Dept (tribal government). It impounds the Tr-spokane River.

The dam stands 62 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 1,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,190 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 11/15/1989. That was over 36 years ago.

At 62 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.