Wet Ravine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Washoe, Nevada, the Wet Ravine Dam stands as a vital structure for irrigation purposes along the Wet Ravine river.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam, with a height of 22 feet and a length of 400 feet, serves multiple functions including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond in addition to irrigation. The dam has a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 20 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 2.5 acres and draining an area of 1.1 square miles.

Despite its importance, the Wet Ravine Dam is currently in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. It is regulated and inspected by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet and a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. The risk assessment categorizes the dam as moderate, emphasizing the need for risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure in the face of potential emergencies.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of the Wet Ravine Dam in sustaining agricultural activities and providing essential water resources in the region. With its unique design and multiple purposes, the dam represents a crucial piece of infrastructure that requires attention and maintenance to mitigate risks and ensure its continued operation. As climate change impacts water resources, the preservation and management of structures like the Wet Ravine Dam become increasingly important to ensure sustainable water use and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

WET RAVINE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.1

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.
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