Rose Creek Reservoir, located in Mineral County, Nevada, is a Federal-owned water supply dam managed by the US Army and funded by the US Navy. Built in 1938, this earth-filled dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 582 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Rose Creek Reservoir is to provide water supply, serving the Hawthorne Army Depot in the city of Hawthorne.

With a spillway width of 31 feet and a maximum discharge of 13 cubic feet per second, Rose Creek Reservoir poses a significant hazard potential and has a moderate risk level assigned to it. The dam is inspected every four years, with the last assessment conducted in December 2009. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, and there is no Emergency Action Plan prepared for this structure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts intrigued by the engineering and management aspects of dams will find Rose Creek Reservoir a fascinating case study. From its historical construction by the Department of Defense to its role in providing water supply for military operations, this dam presents a unique blend of federal ownership, multiple agency involvements, and ongoing risk management challenges in the arid landscape of Nevada.