Spooner Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spooner Lake Dam, located in Douglas County, Nevada, serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife pond management, irrigation, and recreation.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet, and a structural height of 37 feet. The dam stretches 420 feet in length and has a normal storage capacity of 1580 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

With a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, Spooner Lake Dam requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. The dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate to manage water flow and mitigate potential risks.

As a vital component of water resource management in the region, Spooner Lake Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels, supporting wildlife habitats, and providing recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike are drawn to the intricate design and functionality of this dam, which stands as a testament to human ingenuity in balancing the needs of both nature and society.

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

NORTH CANYON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

1580

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.