Spanish Flat Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Spanish Flat Dam, located in Washoe County, Nevada, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for irrigation purposes along Dry Valley Creek.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 726 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 110 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as being in poor condition as of its last inspection in September 2019.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. While it has not undergone any modifications in recent years, the dam is state-regulated, with the Nevada Department of Water Resources overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 6.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 195 cubic feet per second, making it an important resource for water management in the region.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a potential for some level of risk. While the dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that proper risk management measures are implemented to address any potential safety concerns and protect the surrounding community and environment from any adverse impacts.
Dam Length |
568 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
DRY VALLEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
110 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
6.3 |
Nid Storage |
726 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Truckee R Nr Nixon
|
486cfs |
N Truckee Drain At Spanish Springs Rd Nr Sparks Nv
|
3cfs |
Truckee R At Reno
|
434cfs |
N Truckee Drain At Kleppe Ln Nr Sparks
|
108cfs |
Truckee River Nr Tracy
|
472cfs |
Truckee R Nr Sparks
|
387cfs |
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.
Spanish Flat Dam