Willow Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Willow Creek Dam, located in Battle Mountain, Nevada, is a rockfill dam with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1986, the dam stands at a height of 58 feet and has a hydraulic height of 46 feet. With a storage capacity of 8,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 480 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam has undergone several modifications over the years to enhance its structural integrity, with improvements made in 1912, 1924, 1946, 1999, and 2006. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and five slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Managed by a private owner, Willow Creek Dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond, flood risk reduction, and recreation. The dam's presence along Willow Creek not only supports irrigation activities but also contributes to the overall water management efforts in Elko County, Nevada.

Years Modified

1912 - Hydraulic, 1924 - Hydraulic, 1924 - Structural, 1946 - Hydraulic, 1999 - Structural, 2006 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

493

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

480

Hydraulic Height

46

Drainage Area

113

Nid Storage

8000

Structural Height

58

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 5

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

58
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.