Gibbs Ranch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: May 3, 2026

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Located in Deeth, Nevada, the Gibbs Ranch Dam stands as a vital structure along Hot Creek, serving primarily for irrigation purposes since its completion in 1997.


Summary

This private-owned earth dam boasts a height of 40 feet and a hydraulic height of 46 feet, with a capacity to store up to 520 acre-feet of water. With a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nevada Department of Water Resources to ensure public safety and water resource management.

The Gibbs Ranch Dam spans 625 feet in length and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 325 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation in the Elko County area. With one slide gate as the outlet control, the dam undergoes regular inspections to monitor its structural integrity and assess any potential maintenance or emergency response needs.

As part of the Walla Walla District under the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Gibbs Ranch Dam plays a pivotal role in water resource management and environmental conservation efforts in Nevada. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a key asset for agricultural and recreational activities in the region while safeguarding against potential hazards and promoting sustainable water usage practices.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

625

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

HOT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

46

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

520

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

46
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.