Summary
Built in 1912, this earth dam stands at a height of 80 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes. With a storage capacity of 28,250 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 930 acres and has a drainage area of 69 square miles.
Despite its historical significance, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 15 feet, and the dam features a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. Its inspection frequency is set at one year, with the most recent inspection conducted in October 2021. The risk assessment for Bishop Creek Dam indicates a moderate level of risk (3) associated with its operation.
With the dam falling under the jurisdiction of the Nevada Division of Water Resources, it remains a critical structure for flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreational purposes in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts track its maintenance and regulatory oversight, the ongoing management and risk mitigation measures for Bishop Creek Dam will be essential in ensuring the safety and sustainability of its operations for the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
407 |
Dam Height |
80 |
River Or Stream |
BISHOP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
930 |
Hydraulic Height |
72 |
Drainage Area |
69 |
Nid Storage |
28250 |
Structural Height |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
80 |
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.
Bishop Creek Dam