Cortez Tails #7 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cortez Tails #7 Dam, located in Lander, Nevada, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
Completed in 1994, this dam stands at a height of 63 feet with a hydraulic height of 60 feet and a length of 7255 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 3673 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 2247 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 72 acres with a drainage area of 0.1 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 was marked as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvement. With a high risk assessment score of 2, there is a clear need for risk management measures to be implemented. The dam lacks a spillway and is equipped with two other controlled outlet gates. The inspection frequency of the dam is every 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in June 2019.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams for tailings storage will find Cortez Tails #7 Dam to be an intriguing case study. With its unique design features and risk assessment challenges, this dam presents an opportunity for further research and discussion on the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
7255 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
NONE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
72 |
Hydraulic Height |
60 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
3673 |
Structural Height |
63 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
63 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Humboldt River At Old Us 40 Bridge
|
64cfs |
Humboldt R At Palisade
|
56cfs |
Humboldt R At Battle Mountain
|
43cfs |
Rock Ck Nr Battle Mountain
|
5cfs |
Marys Creek At Carlin
|
5cfs |
Maggie Ck At Carlin
|
11cfs |
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 Tails #7 Dam