Big Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Big Spring Lake Dam, also known as Big Spring Reservoir, is a federal-owned structure located in Humboldt, Nevada, along Big Spring Creek.
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Summary
Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of supporting the local ecosystem. The Earth dam, with a height of 9 feet and a length of 644 feet, has a normal storage capacity of 467 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1578 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 207.5 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Big Spring Lake Dam has been assessed as in poor condition as of the last inspection in July 2015. The dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources and undergoes periodic inspections by the Fish and Wildlife Service. With a controlled outlet gates system and a spillway width of 72 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of the area. Water and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of environmental conservation and infrastructure may find Big Spring Lake Dam a compelling case study in the management of fish and wildlife habitats within a regulated dam system.
Dam Length |
644 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Big Spring Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
207.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
145.3 |
Nid Storage |
1578 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Big Spring Lake Dam