Summary
The dam is an earth structure with a height of 36 feet and a length of 722 feet, impounding the waters of Silver Creek. With a maximum storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a normal storage of 120 acre-feet, the dam serves the surrounding agricultural community by providing water for irrigation.
Despite its fair condition assessment in 2021, Silver Creek Dam has a high hazard potential, indicating the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 16 feet and one slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a ranking of 3 out of 5, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
Owned privately and regulated by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Silver Creek Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With its strategic location on Silver Creek and its capacity to store and release water as needed for irrigation, the dam stands as a key infrastructure supporting the agricultural activities in the area. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Silver Creek Dam presents a fascinating case study in dam engineering and management in the arid landscapes of Nevada.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
722 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
SILVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
39.2 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Lehman Creek Near Baker
|
1cfs |
Cleve C Nr Ely
|
5cfs |
Steptoe C Nr Ely
|
5cfs |
Water Canyon Cr Nr Preston Nv
|
1cfs |
Trout Creek Near Callao
|
1cfs |
Granite Creek Near Callao
|
0cfs |
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.
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Silver Creek Dam