Sonora Buckskin Tails Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Yerington No 2 Dam Yerington Bb Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Sonora Buckskin Tails Dam, located in Douglas County, Nevada, is a privately owned structure primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 36 feet and a hydraulic height of 34 feet. With a storage capacity of 48.6 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.7 acres, the dam serves as a crucial component for managing water resources in the region.
Despite its important role, Sonora Buckskin Tails Dam is currently in poor condition and has a low hazard potential. The last inspection in September 2020 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, raising concerns about its ability to withstand potential risks. The dam is equipped with a valve outlet gate and does not have a spillway, making it essential to address the maintenance and structural issues to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam.
Given its high risk assessment and poor condition, there is a pressing need for proactive risk management measures and regular inspections to mitigate potential hazards. As a key component of water resource management in the area, the Sonora Buckskin Tails Dam requires immediate attention to address its structural integrity and ensure its continued effectiveness in storing tailings and managing water resources in the region.
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
N/A |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Nid Storage |
48.6 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Sonora Buckskin Tails Dam