Upper Pahranagat Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Upper Pahranagat Dam, located in Glendale, NV, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

Constructed in 1937, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 1515 feet along the White River. Its primary purpose is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a normal storage capacity of 2170 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 4688 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor as of November 2018. It has undergone modifications in 1998 and 2010 to enhance its hydraulic capabilities. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and has a width of 123 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 905 cfs. While the risk assessment deems the dam to have a moderate risk level, there are no Emergency Action Plans in place, raising concerns for potential emergency response scenarios.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts monitoring the Upper Pahranagat Dam should take note of its critical condition assessment and lack of emergency preparedness measures. With its location in Lincoln, Nevada, and under the jurisdiction of the Nevada Department of Water Resources, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water infrastructure for the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife habitats.

Years Modified

1998 - Hydraulic, 2010 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

1515

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

WHITE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

404

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

2625

Nid Storage

4688

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.