Rye Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ixl Ranch Dam Catnip Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Rye Creek Dam, located in Washoe County, Nevada, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans a length of 758 feet, creating a fish and wildlife pond for conservation purposes. With a storage capacity of 1587 acre-feet and a drainage area of 29.9 square miles, the dam serves as a vital resource for maintaining aquatic ecosystems in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Rye Creek Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition as of its last inspection in 2015. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a slide gate outlet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 253 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Rye Creek Dam plays a crucial role in habitat preservation and water management in the area. With its primary purpose as a fish and wildlife pond, the dam serves as a valuable resource for supporting biodiversity and conservation efforts. Continued monitoring and maintenance will be essential to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of this important water resource in Nevada.
Years Modified |
1998 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
758 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
Rye Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
324.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
29.9 |
Nid Storage |
1587 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Rye Creek Dam