Fort Churchill Power Plant Cooling Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Fort Churchill Power Plant Cooling Pond Dam in Nevada is a vital structure designed for flood risk reduction along the Walker River.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a structural height of 11 feet. With a length of 11,400 feet and a storage capacity of 1,300 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and flood risk reduction.
Managed by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, the Fort Churchill Power Plant Cooling Pond Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure its integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet and an outlet gate for controlled water release. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, with a moderate risk rating.
Located in Lyon County, Nevada, the Fort Churchill Power Plant Cooling Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With its strategic design and purposeful construction, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable infrastructure for flood control and ecosystem preservation along the Walker River.
Dam Length |
11400 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
WALKER RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
170 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
1300 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Fort Churchill Power Plant Cooling Pond Dam