Fly Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Negro Creek Dam Squaw Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Fly Reservoir Dam, also known as Geyser Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Washoe, Nevada, along Little Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 1850 acre-feet and a normal storage of 300 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is in poor condition and was last inspected in July 2017, with an inspection frequency of 5 years.
The dam stands at a height of 17 feet, with a hydraulic height of 9 feet, and a length of 10,600 feet. It lacks a spillway and is associated with no other structures. The surrounding area covers 254 acres, with a drainage area of 0.3 square miles. Although the risk assessment for the dam is considered high, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are not explicitly outlined in the available data.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fly Reservoir Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation structure in Nevada. Despite its importance for water storage and distribution, the dam's poor condition and lack of certain safety features raise concerns about its long-term reliability and resilience in the face of potential hazards. The data on this dam highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of water infrastructure in the region.
Dam Length |
10600 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
254 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
1850 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Fly Reservoir Dam