East Wash Diversion Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The East Wash Diversion Dam, located in Washoe County, Nevada, was completed in 1961 by the USDA SCS and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the East Wash river.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 46 feet, effectively managing the flow of water and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2355 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a key role in regulating water levels and ensuring the safety of the community.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the East Wash Diversion Dam continues to be regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nevada Department of Water Resources to uphold its safety standards. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 60 feet and one outlet gate, the dam is equipped to handle emergency situations effectively. Although the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, ongoing risk management measures are being implemented to mitigate any potential threats and ensure the continued functionality of this essential flood control structure in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the East Wash Diversion Dam represents a critical infrastructure element in safeguarding the local community against the impacts of extreme weather events and preserving the delicate balance of the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

598

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

EAST WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.8

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

2.1

Nid Storage

52

Structural Height

46

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

46
       
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.