Upper Holy Lake Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hill Number 2 Dam Hill Dam Number 1
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
The Upper Holy Lake Reservoir Dam, located in Washoe County, Nevada, was completed in 1917 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This private dam, standing at a height of 8 feet and with a length of 361 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 92 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 31 acres. Situated along Baker Creek, the dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting a moderate risk assessment rating. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 14 feet, adds to the risk factor. With a capacity for a maximum discharge of 140 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with a single valve outlet gate for water release. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unclear, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of downstream communities and ecosystems.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find the Upper Holy Lake Reservoir Dam an intriguing subject for study and analysis. Its historical significance, structural design, and operational challenges provide valuable insights into the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. As efforts to address climate-related risks and enhance dam safety continue to evolve, this dam serves as a case study in balancing water resource management for agricultural needs with environmental stewardship and community resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
361 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
BAKER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31 |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
92 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sf Pit R Nr Likely Ca
|
28cfs |
Mahogany Creek Near Summit Lake
|
2cfs |
Pit R Nr Canby Ca
|
1110cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Upper Holy Lake Reservoir Dam