Preston Lower Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Preston Lower Dam, located in White Pine County, Nevada, along the White River, was completed in 1932 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Nevada Division of Water Resources. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 2050 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and a surface area of 24 acres.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Preston Lower Dam remains a vital structure for fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1300 cubic feet per second. The inspection frequency for the dam is every 3 years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2021.

In light of its historical significance and ongoing importance for water resource management in the region, Preston Lower Dam represents a valuable piece of infrastructure that warrants continued monitoring and potential risk management measures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the condition and regulatory oversight of such structures to ensure their safety and sustainable use for the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

2050

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

WHITE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

250

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.