Cortez Water Storage Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Lander, Nevada, the Cortez Water Storage Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water supply purposes, completed in 1990 by SERGENT HAUSKINS & BECKWITH INC.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This private-owned Earth dam boasts a height of 17 feet and a storage capacity of 161.7 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 100 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 12.2 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.1 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the Cortez Water Storage Dam received a poor condition assessment in its last inspection in June 2019. The dam lacks a spillway but is equipped with a single controlled outlet gate. Recognized as a high-risk structure, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unspecified. With a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 18 feet, this dam in the Sacramento District holds significant importance in water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
2976 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
NONE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
161.7 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Humboldt River At Old Us 40 Bridge
|
60cfs |
Humboldt R At Palisade
|
55cfs |
Humboldt R At Battle Mountain
|
47cfs |
Rock Ck Nr Battle Mountain
|
6cfs |
Marys Creek At Carlin
|
3cfs |
Maggie Ck At Carlin
|
12cfs |
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.
Cortez Water Storage Dam