Old River Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Old River Dam, located in Churchill, Nevada, along the Wade Drain, serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
This Federal-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a length of 4500 feet, offering a storage capacity of 1050 acre-feet. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 20 feet and a Tainter radial gate for outlet control.
Despite being rated with a low hazard potential and not assessed for condition, the dam presents a very high risk due to its location and purpose. The last inspection in 2013 indicated that the dam was not rated for its condition. With its historical significance in water resource management, Old River Dam continues to play a vital role in sustaining agriculture in the region. With its controlled spillway and modern design, the dam exemplifies sustainable water management practices for irrigation in the area.
Dam Length |
4500 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
WADE DRAIN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
350 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
1050 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Old River Dam