Josephine Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Groundhog Res Nv No Name 1 Dam
Last Updated: December 28, 2025
Josephine Reservoir Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, stands as a vital structure for irrigation purposes along Circle Creek.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources and maintained as a low-hazard facility with a poor condition assessment. Despite its age and condition, the dam serves its primary purpose efficiently, providing water for irrigation and serving as a fire protection and stock reservoir.
With a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 15 feet, Josephine Reservoir Dam boasts a storage capacity of 2640 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 350 acre-feet. The dam, primarily composed of earth and stone, spans a length of 294 feet and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not undergone recent modifications and operates with a single slide gate outlet for water release.
Although Josephine Reservoir Dam may face challenges in its maintenance and condition, its role in providing water for irrigation and other essential purposes remains significant. As a key structure in the region's water resource management system, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam Length |
294 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
CIRCLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
40 |
Nid Storage |
2640 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Josephine Reservoir Dam