Cortez Area 28 Tsf Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Cortez Area 28 Tsf Dam, located in Lander, Nevada, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for tailings storage.


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Summary

Constructed in 1997 by the designer AMEC, this dam stands at a height of 215 feet and has a hydraulic height of 212 feet. With a storage capacity of 31,229 acre-feet and a surface area of 205 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 was rated as fair. Regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has undergone several modifications over the years to enhance its structural stability, including in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2011, and 2012.

Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with other controlled outlet gates to manage water flow. The risk assessment for Cortez Area 28 Tsf Dam indicates a high risk level (2), emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards. With its critical role in water storage and management, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Years Modified

1998 - Structural, 1999 - Structural, 2000 - Structural, 2004 - Structural, 2008 - Structural, 2011 - Structural, 2012 - Structural

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

13325

Dam Height

215

River Or Stream

NONE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

205

Hydraulic Height

212

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

31229

Structural Height

209

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

215
       
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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.