Dry Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Dry Creek Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, serves as a vital irrigation structure along the Dry Creek river.
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Summary
Built in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a structural height of 70 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1940 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for irrigation, with additional benefits including fire protection, stock watering, and recreational opportunities.
With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Dry Creek Dam is maintained by private owners and regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, slide (sluice gate) outlet gates, and a drainage area of 10.4 square miles. The dam's last inspection in June 2018 deemed it to be in good condition, ensuring its continued functionality for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
While Dry Creek Dam poses a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3, it remains a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the area. With a history of safe operation and regular inspections, the dam serves as a key component of the region's water infrastructure, supporting agricultural irrigation and other water-related activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like Dry Creek Dam are essential for ensuring a sustainable water supply for the community.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1218 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
110 |
Hydraulic Height |
42 |
Drainage Area |
10.4 |
Nid Storage |
1940 |
Structural Height |
70 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
70 |
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.
Dry Creek Dam