Marlette Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marlette Lake Dam, located in Washoe County, Nevada, is a state-regulated earthen dam on Marlette Creek with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 48 feet, with a hydraulic height of 43 feet and a structural height of 50 feet. Completed in the mid-20th century, the dam has a storage capacity of 12,700 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge of 650 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 12 feet.

Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, Marlette Lake Dam is currently in fair condition and undergoes regular inspections by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The dam features two slide (sluice gate) outlet gates and has a drainage area of 4 square miles. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans and meets regulatory guidelines to ensure public safety in case of emergencies. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and structural features of Marlette Lake Dam, which plays a crucial role in water supply and conservation efforts in the region.

Years Modified

1950 - Hydraulic, 1950 - Structural

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

48

River Or Stream

MARLETTE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

380

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

12700

Structural Height

50

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

50
       
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.