Wilson Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Wilson Reservoir Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, was completed in 1954 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 8,000 acre-feet.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at 37 feet high and spans a length of 1,390 feet, impounding the waters of the Bull Run Creek-OS. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, ensuring compliance with state standards and enforcement measures.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Wilson Reservoir Dam poses a moderate risk (3) and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet. The dam has two slide gates for outlet control and a maximum discharge capacity of 4,800 cubic feet per second. Although no associated structures are present, the dam's location within the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its strategic importance in water resource management for the region.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate Wilson Reservoir Dam's role in providing water for irrigation, fire protection, stock, and recreation. As a key infrastructure in Elko, Nevada, the dam's operational history, storage capacity, and regulatory oversight by the Nevada DWR underscore its significance in sustaining local water supplies and managing the risk of potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
1390 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
BULL RUN CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
791 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
26.3 |
Nid Storage |
10500 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Wilson Reservoir Dam