Carlin Gold Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Carlin Gold Tailings Dam, also known as Newmont Mill #1 Tails Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Dunphy, Nevada.


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Summary

This earth dam was designed by Knight Piésold & Company and completed in 1991 for the primary purpose of storing tailings. The dam stands at a height of 270 feet and has a hydraulic height of 267 feet, providing a storage capacity of 4030 acre-feet.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the Carlin Gold Tailings Dam poses a high risk, with a risk assessment rating of 2. The dam has a surface area of 120 acres and is situated near the Sheep Creek-TR river or stream, within the jurisdiction of the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The dam lacks a spillway and has one controlled outlet gate, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2 cubic feet per second.

With the last inspection conducted in July 2019 and an inspection frequency of 5 years, the Carlin Gold Tailings Dam continues to be monitored for any potential risks or issues. The dam's location, design, and function make it a critical water resource and climate infrastructure for the region, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

270

River Or Stream

SHEEP CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Hydraulic Height

267

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

4030

Structural Height

270

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

270
       
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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.