Located in Mathews Canyon near Caliente, Nevada, Mathews Canyon Dam was completed in 1957 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to serve as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Mathews Canyon river. Standing at 71 feet tall with a length of 806 feet, the earth-type dam has a storage capacity of 12,420 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 13,060 cubic feet per second. Despite its relatively small surface area of 1 acre, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.

With a high hazard potential, Mathews Canyon Dam undergoes regular inspections and risk assessments to ensure its structural integrity and readiness for potential emergencies. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively engages with local emergency managers and the public to raise awareness about the dam and develop emergency action plans. With a focus on monitoring, maintenance, and risk management measures, including the preparation of inundation maps and risk assessments, the USACE is dedicated to safeguarding the surrounding communities from the impacts of dam-related emergencies and severe weather events. As a key flood control infrastructure, Mathews Canyon Dam stands as a critical piece in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts.