Echo Canyon Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Echo Canyon Dam, located in Lincoln, Nevada, stands as a vital resource for both water management and recreational activities.


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Summary

Built in 1970, this earth dam on Meadow Valley Wash serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation in the area. With a height of 58 feet and a length of 1500 feet, the dam provides storage for up to 1750 acre-feet of water, with a surface area of 64 acres and a drainage area of 200 square miles.

Despite its significant contribution to the local ecosystem and community, Echo Canyon Dam is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, with a poor rating and a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in May 2021 revealed the need for improvement, and the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. With a spillway width of 50 feet and two slide gates for outlet control, the dam requires ongoing maintenance and potentially risk management measures to ensure its effectiveness and safety in the face of climate change impacts.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the management and maintenance of dams like Echo Canyon Dam become increasingly important. With its strategic location and role in water storage and recreation, efforts to address its condition and potential risks are essential for ensuring the resilience of this key water resource in Nevada's landscape.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

MEADOW VALLEY WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

64

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

200

Nid Storage

1750

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

58
       
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.