Zunino Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Zunino Reservoir Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, was completed in 1909 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 935 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 800 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 142 acres and is fed by Cottonwood Creek-OS.

Despite being a crucial water resource for the region, Zunino Reservoir Dam poses a high hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in March 2021. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet and an outlet gate consisting of a slide (sluice gate). While the risk assessment categorizes the dam's risk as moderate, it is important for stakeholders and regulators to monitor and implement necessary risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

In the context of water resource management and climate resilience, Zunino Reservoir Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation, fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreational purposes. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight by the Nevada DWR, it underscores the importance of balancing water utilization for agricultural needs while maintaining structural safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1909

Dam Length

580

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

142

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

935

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.