Argenta Tailings Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Argenta Tailings Dam, located in Carlin, Nevada, was completed in 1991 and stands at a height of 36 feet with a hydraulic height of 34 feet.
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Summary
This private dam, designed by Welsh Engineering Inc., is primarily used for tailings storage. The dam's core is made of stone and sits on a soil foundation, serving a critical role in managing mine waste.
With a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet and a surface area of 9.5 acres, the Argenta Tailings Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with one other controlled outlet gate. The inspection frequency is set at 3 years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2021, highlighting the urgent need for risk management measures to mitigate potential threats to the surrounding environment and communities. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should monitor this dam closely for any updates on its maintenance and safety protocols.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
4700 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
HUMBOLDT RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
285 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Argenta Tailings Dam