Caselton Mill Middle Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Caselton Mill Middle Dam, located in Caliente, Nevada, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of tailings storage.


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Summary

The dam, standing at 20 feet tall and stretching 100 feet in length, was completed with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Situated on the Meadow Valley Wash-TR river or stream, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Nevada Department of Water Resources to ensure its safe operation and maintenance.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Caselton Mill Middle Dam is deemed to have high risk, with a fair condition assessment as of May 2018. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, which may pose challenges in managing water discharge during extreme conditions. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are currently not specified, highlighting the need for proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities and ecosystems.

With its unique design and purpose, Caselton Mill Middle Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in Lincoln County, Nevada. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water availability and quality, monitoring and maintaining the dam's structural integrity and emergency preparedness will be crucial in safeguarding the surrounding areas from potential hazards and ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

MEADOW VALLEY WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

100

Outlet Gates

None - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.