Middle Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Middle Dam, also known as Ross Creek Dams, is a private-owned structure located in Washoe, Nevada.
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Summary
This earth dam on Middle Creek serves primarily for flood risk reduction, with secondary purposes including fire protection, irrigation, and stock or small fish pond. The dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet.
Despite its significant hazard potential, Middle Dam currently holds an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in December 2020. The dam lacks a spillway and features a slide gate as its outlet structure. With a high risk assessment rating and no emergency action plan in place, the dam presents challenges and vulnerabilities that require attention and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of downstream communities and surrounding areas.
Located in Congressional District 02 of Nevada, Middle Dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of maintaining and improving the infrastructure of dams like Middle Dam is crucial for mitigating flood risks, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable water management in the face of changing weather patterns and climate conditions.
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
N Truckee Drain At Spanish Springs Rd Nr Sparks Nv
|
3cfs |
Dog Creek At Verdi
|
1cfs |
Truckee R At Reno
|
434cfs |
Truckee River Nr Mogul
|
421cfs |
Hunter C Nr Reno
|
5cfs |
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.
Middle Dam
Frenchman Reservoir To Nf Boundary