White Pine Mine North Tailings Dam #2

About White Pine Mine North Tailings Dam #2

The primary purpose of White Pine Mine North Tailings Dam #2 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 Inmet Mining Company (private). It impounds the Native Creek.

The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 42,240 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 900 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 39,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1971, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/16/2019.

At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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.