Jones Canyon Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Jones Canyon Dam, located in Washoe, Nevada, stands as a Federal-owned structure along the Jones Canyon Creek.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres. Standing at a height of 43 feet and a length of 500 feet, the dam's design is classified as an Earth dam with a stone core and soil foundation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, emphasizing the need for maintenance and inspection.
Managed by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, Jones Canyon Dam remains under state regulation, with inspections conducted every five years. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 20 feet, and an outlet gate consisting of a single slide or sluice gate. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk level of 3, no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared to date, highlighting a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness and risk management measures.
Situated in a picturesque location near Nixon, Nevada, Jones Canyon Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and irrigation in the region. As a vital infrastructure for agricultural activities and fire protection, the dam's maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community. Climate and water resource enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor updates on Jones Canyon Dam's condition and regulatory compliance to support sustainable water management practices in the area.
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
JONES CANYON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
5.5 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Truckee R Nr Nixon
|
289cfs |
Truckee R At Wadsworth
|
302cfs |
Truckee Ca Nr Wadsworth
|
201cfs |
Truckee R Bl Derby Dam Nr Wadsworth
|
289cfs |
Truckee River Nr Tracy
|
441cfs |
N Truckee Drain At Spanish Springs Rd Nr Sparks Nv
|
2cfs |
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.
Jones Canyon Dam