Dorsey Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dinner Station Dam Reed Reservoir Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dorsey Creek Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, was completed in 1953 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 35 feet with a structural height of 42 feet, containing a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. It spans a length of 567 feet and covers a surface area of 14 acres, situated on the Dorsey Creek river.
Constructed as an Earth dam with a stone core and rock foundations, Dorsey Creek Dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 15 feet. The dam underwent structural modifications in 1999 to ensure its continued stability and functionality. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the risk assessment indicates a very high risk level, underscoring the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to uphold its fair condition.
Owned privately, Dorsey Creek Dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its vital role in irrigation and other purposes such as fire protection, stock, and recreation, the dam stands as a critical infrastructure in the region, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Elko County.
Years Modified |
1999 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
567 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
DORSEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
9.9 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
42 |
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.
Dorsey Creek Dam