Bourne Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bourne Reservoir Dam, also known as Tranquility Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Douglas County, Nevada.


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Summary

Completed in 1997, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and serves as a fish and wildlife pond for recreational purposes. The dam is situated on McFaul Creek and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 22 acre-feet.

Despite its scenic setting and recreational value, Bourne Reservoir Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has a structural height of 34 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet, with a spillway width of 27 feet. In 1998, the dam underwent structural modifications to ensure its safety and functionality. With a maximum discharge capacity of 480 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with two slide gates and one valve gate as outlet controls.

Maintaining the safety and integrity of Bourne Reservoir Dam is essential to mitigating potential risks and ensuring the protection of downstream communities and ecosystems. Regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency action plans are crucial for effective risk management and preparedness in the event of a dam failure. The collaboration between the Nevada Division of Water Resources and private owners is vital in addressing the dam's high hazard potential and implementing necessary measures to improve its condition and reduce risks to surrounding areas.

Years Modified

1998 - Structural

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

140

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

MCFAUL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

3.2

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2, Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.