Horseshoe Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crystal Springs Dam Lake No 4 Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Horseshoe Dam, also known as Lake Number 6, is a federal-owned structure located in Nye, Nevada, and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Summary
Built in 1960 by designer Chuck Armuth, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans a length of 1385 feet. It serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 10 acre-feet.
Situated on the Carson Slough - TR river, Horseshoe Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for wildlife conservation in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as poor, with the last inspection conducted in November 2018. The dam features controlled outlet gates and a spillway width of 27 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 850 cubic feet per second.
With its primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife habitats, Horseshoe Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for environmental sustainability in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Horseshoe become increasingly important in ensuring the protection of both wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
1385 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
CARSON SLOUGH - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
78 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Horseshoe Dam