78 Ac Mcgill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: 171 Ac Mcgill Dam Bassett Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Warm Springs, Nevada, the 78 Ac McGill Dam stands as a crucial structure along Steptoe Creek-OS, serving primarily for tailings storage.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam, with a height of 27 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, provides a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 78 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and compliance with state regulations.
Managed by the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the 78 Ac McGill Dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, emphasizing its simple yet essential role in water resource management in the region. The dam has a drainage area of 0.1 square miles and has not undergone any modifications since its construction. With a risk assessment rating of 2 (considered high), the dam poses a potential risk that is mitigated by appropriate risk management measures, although emergency action plans and inundation maps are yet to be prepared.
Representing an important component of the water infrastructure in White Pine County, Nevada, the 78 Ac McGill Dam serves as a vital structure for the local community and environment. Its strategic location, design, and operational history make it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and regulation of dams in the region. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam's risk assessment highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential water resource infrastructure.
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
STEPTOE CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
78 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Steptoe C Nr Ely
|
5cfs |
Cleve C Nr Ely
|
5cfs |
Water Canyon Cr Nr Preston Nv
|
1cfs |
Preston Big Spring Nr Preston Nv
|
10cfs |
Lehman Creek Near Baker
|
1cfs |
Trout Creek Near Callao
|
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bird Creek Recreation Area
|
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East Creek Campground
|
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Timber Creek Campground
|
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Berry Creek
|
78 Ac Mcgill Dam