Cow Creek Dam

• Overview
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Cow Creek Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond support. This earth dam stands at 27 feet tall with a structural height of 27 feet and a length of 116 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 10 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 50 acre-feet, with a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 10.1 square miles.

The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 13 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 170 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor as of June 2019. The inspection frequency is every 5 years, and the risk assessment classifies the dam as having a moderate risk level. The Nevada Division of Water Resources regulates the dam, ensuring state inspection, enforcement, and permitting are in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Cow Creek Dam to be an interesting structure due to its multi-purpose functionality and its role in water management in the region. The dam's location along Cow Creek contributes to its importance in providing water for various uses while also addressing the need for fire protection and supporting local wildlife. With ongoing inspections and regulatory oversight, the dam continues to play a vital role in the community's water resource management efforts.