Indian Hills Effluent Pond #5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Indian Hills Effluent Pond #5 Dam, located in Minden, Nevada, is a significant earth dam completed in 1991 with a primary purpose of tailings storage.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam stands at a height of 20 meters and has a hydraulic height of 16 meters, providing a storage capacity of 20.3 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Carson River-OS and is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety.

Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential, with a high risk level assigned. With a spillway type of "None" and a max discharge of 0, the dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in the event of a breach. Emergency action plans have been prepared, though last updated in 2014, indicating a need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Overall, Indian Hills Effluent Pond #5 Dam serves as a vital structure for water resource management in the region, requiring ongoing attention and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for the community.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

CARSON RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

20.3

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.