West Wash Dam dam
West Wash Dam
West Wash Dam, located in Reno, Nevada, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA SCS in 1960 for flood risk reduction along the West Wash river. Standing at 70 feet tall with a dam length of 765 feet, this earth-type structure plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam has a high hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2021.
With a maximum storage capacity of 293 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.3 square miles, West Wash Dam serves as a vital component in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, one outlet gate, and a surface area of 17.3 acres. Despite its age, the dam continues to be regulated and inspected by the Nevada DWR to ensure its structural integrity and adherence to safety standards, highlighting the ongoing commitment to water resource management and climate resilience in the area.
As climate change continues to pose increasing challenges to water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and updating structures like West Wash Dam cannot be understated. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam serves as a critical line of defense against potential flooding events, showcasing the essential role that such structures play in protecting communities and ecosystems in a changing climate. The dedication to regular inspections and maintenance underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of West Wash Dam for years to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around West Wash Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Truckee R At Reno | 1,050 cfs | → |
| Hunter C Nr Reno | 11 cfs | → |
| Truckee River Nr Mogul | 1,080 cfs | → |
| Truckee R Nr Sparks | 1,050 cfs | → |
| N Truckee Drain At Spanish Springs Rd Nr Sparks Nv | 14 cfs | → |
| N Truckee Drain At Kleppe Ln Nr Sparks | 108 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near West Wash Dam.
Boat launches
- Lockwood Road Washoe County
- Capt Roberts Boating Site
- Washoe County
- Prosser Lake Reservoir
- Lakeshore Boulevard , 89452 Nevada
- Golf Course Outer Trail Carson City
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track West Wash Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About West Wash Dam
Where does the data for West Wash Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of West Wash Dam.