South Side Wash Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
South Side Wash Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the South Side Wash river stream.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a structural height of 38 feet and a length of 495 feet. With a capacity to store 52 acre-feet of water and a maximum discharge of 2120 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair as of October 2021. Regular inspections are conducted by the Nevada DWR to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 50 feet. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3), the dam continues to effectively fulfill its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, safeguarding the local community and environment from potential disasters. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, South Side Wash Dam stands as a testament to effective water management and infrastructure development in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH SIDE WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
S F Humboldt R Ab Dixie C Nr Elko
|
15cfs |
Humboldt R Nr Elko
|
18cfs |
S Fk Humboldt R Abv Tenmile Ck Nr Elko
|
14cfs |
Humboldt R Nr Carlin
|
38cfs |
Lamoille C Nr Lamoille
|
6cfs |
Susie Creek At Carlin
|
1cfs |
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.
South Side Wash Dam