Tonkin Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Tonkin Reservoir Dam, located in Eureka, Nevada, is a private-owned dam constructed in 2016 with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. It spans 710 feet in length and is primarily made of earth and stone materials, resting on a soil foundation.
The dam is regulated and inspected by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2020. The reservoir is fed by Denay Creek and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond in addition to irrigation. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 16 feet, and the outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate).
With its moderate risk assessment and moderate drainage area of 18 acres, Tonkin Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam remains a vital infrastructure for supporting agricultural activities and ensuring water availability for various uses. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering details and operational aspects of this essential structure in Nevada.
Year Completed |
2016 |
Dam Length |
710 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
DENAY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Humboldt R At Palisade
|
56cfs |
Humboldt River At Old Us 40 Bridge
|
66cfs |
Marys Creek At Carlin
|
3cfs |
Maggie Ck At Carlin
|
12cfs |
Susie Creek At Carlin
|
1cfs |
Humboldt R At Battle Mountain
|
44cfs |
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.
Tonkin Reservoir Dam