Sheep Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Sheep Creek Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, is a vital water resource managed by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (DOI BIA).


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Summary

With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 8,000 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing irrigation and other essential services to the surrounding area. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam has a low hazard potential, making it a relatively safe structure for water management.

The dam, completed in an unspecified year, boasts a normal storage capacity of 6,000 acre-feet and is known for its sturdy construction and reliable performance. Although specific details on purposes and dam types are not provided, the Sheep Creek Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in the region. While the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness information are not available, its low hazard potential and the absence of significant risks make it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Overall, Sheep Creek Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water management in Elko, Nevada, providing essential services to the community and contributing to the overall water resource management efforts in the region. With its impressive storage capacity and low hazard potential, the dam stands as a reliable structure that supports the sustainable use of water resources in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sheep Creek Dam represents a noteworthy example of effective water management and infrastructure development in a challenging environment.

Dam Height

19

Nid Storage

8000

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.