Crittenden Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Crittenden Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, was completed in 1957 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet with a structural height of 49 feet, containing a storage capacity of 4300 acre-feet of water from Crittenden Creek. The dam also offers fire protection, stock watering, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Crittenden Dam has undergone structural modifications in 1996 and 2006 to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 18 feet and an outlet gate in the form of a slide (sluice gate). With a drainage area of 110 square miles and a maximum discharge of 320 cubic feet per second, Crittenden Dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and providing essential resources to the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering design and functionality of Crittenden Dam, which stands as a testament to human ingenuity in managing water resources for agricultural and recreational purposes. As a state-regulated structure under the oversight of the Nevada Department of Water Resources, Crittenden Dam continues to play a crucial role in the sustainable utilization of water from Crittenden Creek, contributing to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem and community. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts highlight the importance of responsible water management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Years Modified

1996 - Structural, 2006 - Structural

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

CRITTENDEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

230

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

110

Nid Storage

4300

Structural Height

49

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

49
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.