Dinner Station Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dorsey Creek Dam Reed Reservoir Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Dinner Station Dam, also known as Lions Head Pond, is a private dam located in Elko, Nevada, along Mason Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional functions including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. Managed by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, the dam stands at 35 feet high and has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type, is 15 feet wide, ensuring safe water release during high flows.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Dinner Station Dam continues to be a vital resource for water management in the region. The dam last underwent inspection in September 2020, with a scheduled frequency of every 3 years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), prompting the need for enhanced risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. As a key component of the water infrastructure in Elko County, Dinner Station Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water management practices and the impact of dams on local ecosystems.
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
MASON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
6.5 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Dinner Station Dam