Mud Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mud Lake Dam in Douglas, Nevada, is a privately owned structure managed by the Nevada Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, designed by Stone & Webster, stands at a height of 57 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. With a storage capacity of 3,172 acre-feet and a surface area of 300 acres, the dam also supports fire protection, stock watering, and recreational activities in the area.

Located on Indian Creek-OS, Mud Lake Dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 120 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 2,500 cubic feet per second. The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, with a fair condition assessment as of November 2021. Emergency action preparedness and risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam, given its very high risk assessment rating.

Although not owned or funded by federal agencies, Mud Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Nevada DWR. Its strategic location in Dresslerville, combined with its critical role in water resource management, makes it a key infrastructure for the local community and a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

300

Hydraulic Height

52

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

5400

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 6, Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

62
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.